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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI arrests 83 foreigners 'engaged in retail trading' in Pasay City

BI arrests 83 foreigners 'engaged in retail trading' in Pasay City

Published Jan 10, 2026 12:07 pm


A total of 83 foreigners, 68 of them Bangladeshis, were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) during a raid at the Baclaran mall in Pasay City last Wednesday, Jan. 7.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was carried out after weeks of surveillance and verification of intelligence reports that there were several foreigners conducting retail operations in Baclaran.
Aside from 68 Bangladesh nationals, also arrested were one Indian and 14 Chinese nationals. There were 81 males and two females who were found engaged in retail trade activities.
The BI said that while some of those arrested have valid visas, 18 of them have only tourist visas, while the visas of six foreigners have yet to be verified.
It said that those arrested will be charged with violations of immigration laws and Republic Act No. 8762, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, which prohibits foreigners from engaging in retail trade without proper authority, regardless of visa status.
It also said deportation cases will be initiated in accordance with existing immigration laws and procedures.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reiterated his warning to foreign nationals to strictly comply with the conditions of their stay, and to business establishments to ensure that their workers and operators are properly documented and legally authorized.
"Our immigration laws must be enforced firmly and without exception. Foreign nationals who abuse their stay and illegally compete with Filipino livelihoods will be dealt with accordingly,” Viado warned.
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