By Jun Ramirez
Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested eight aliens illegally selling retail goods in Binondo, Manila.
Bureau of Immigration (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the alien vendors were arrested in two separate operations conducted last week inside the popular 168 Shopping Mall in Chinatown district.
The BI chief said the presence of these illegal foreign vendors robs our small Filipino businessmen of livelihood opportunities. He added the country’s Immigration Act expressly prohibits foreign nationals from working without valid work permit or visa.
BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified those arrested as Cai Zhongyong, Wang Liyan, Cai Yahui, Cai Shaorong, Shi Qingliang, Cai Shunli, Cai Jianting, and Lin Jiaxian.
Manahan recounted that during the operations, which were conducted on September 20 and 21, some of the foreigners attempted to bribe the arresting officers in exchange for their release.
Manahan added that the two operations are part of a series of arrests targeting illegal aliens not only in Metro Manila, but also in the provinces. He added that the arrests were results of information received from concerned citizens.