BI arrests 80 foreigners allegedly trading illegally in Divisoria

At least 80 foreign nationals engaged in illegal business activities at the 168 mall in Manila's Divisoria district were arrested in a raid, immigration officials said Thursday. BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison said they received reports the foreign nationals were supposedly engaged in retail trade without proper working permits, state-run Philippines News Agency reported. “The operations in 168 Mall has been planned a long time ago, approved and covered by a mission order,” explained Mison. “It was preceded by extensive casing of the area and intelligence gathering using all available sources of information. “Further, it was proceeded by press releases re voluntary surrender program whereas all 'illegals' were asked to update, pay or come out in the open with a commitment of no arrest and no detention.” The BI chief also cited complaints against illegal aliens who buy and sell at the 168 shopping mall, saying these people were mocking Philippine laws. BI intelligence division head lawyer Jose Carlitos Licas said the BI coordinated with the Manila Police District before the raid, which raid stemmed from a mission order dated December 10 Following the raid, Mison reminded foreign nationals who do business or work in the country to go to the BI office in Intramuros, and secure the needed permits to avoid arrest. “We are determined to put those who violate our laws in their proper places. This operation has been deliberately planned and officially approved. We do this as a service to the Filipino people and against those illegals who deprive our fellow Filipinos the opportunity to work and do business in our country," he said. — DVM, GMA News