BI nabs 74 Chinese ‘sellers’ at Divisoria mall

Government operatives have arrested 74 Chinese nationals with suspect immigration status while selling retail goods at a shopping mall in Divisoria, Manila.

Bureau of Immigration agents rounded up the foreigners during a Tuesday raid at the 999 Shopping Mall in Binondo following "persistent reports" about undocumented Chinese doing business inside the building, the bureau announced Wednesday.

Initial assessment showed most of them were either overstaying in the country or undocumented at the time of their arrests, according to a BI statement.

One Indian national allegedly caught collecting payments for his lending business was also arrested, it said.

The apprehended foreigners are being investigated by BI prosecutors to determine their immigration status, which once found illicit could be grounds to charge them with violating the conditions of their stay, said bureau intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

"Temporary visitors are not supposed to engage in gainful activity during their stay in the country,” Manahan was quoted in the statement as saying.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, meanwhile, said the Philippine Immigration Act bans foreigners from working in the country without a valid working visa or permit. He added that they are prohibited from engaging in retail business and competing with small Filipino business owners, who might be deprived of livelihood opportunities.

"Foreign nationals with legitimate intentions are very much welcome to enter and stay as long as they are properly documented and follow Philippine laws," he said.

The foreigners are undergoing investigation and status verification at the BI Headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, the BI reported. —NB, GMA News