20 suspected illegal aliens nabbed in Divisoria raid

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 20 suspected illegal aliens were arrested in Divisoria after they were caught selling vegetables without proper immigration visas or permits, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Thursday.

The bureau said the suspected illegal aliens were arrested during a raid last November 25 following complaints from local vendors in the area.

“We were initially targeting one individual but upon arriving at the scene, we saw 20 foreign nationals selling garlic, onions, and other produce,” BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. said in a statement.

“They were selling on the sidewalks, out in the open. They most likely do not have permits for their stores, nor are paying proper taxes,” he added.

But three of the 20 suspected illegal aliens were able to show proof that they are Filipino citizens and were consequently released.

The 17 others were identified to be Chinese nationals and were brought to the BI Detention Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig pending their deportation proceedings.

“Do not attempt to try to earn off the holiday rush through illegal means… Foreign nationals must comply with our laws, lest face deportation,” said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.

Edited by MUF