At least 20 foreigners selling various items without proper visas or permits were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration agents in a raid along Sto. Cristo St. in Divisoria, Manila.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said six females and 14 males were arrested after being caught selling produce without proper immigration visas or permits.
The BI said the operations stemmed from a complaint 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,” said BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.
“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.
Out of the 20 arrested, 17 were found to be Chinese nationals, while three showed documentation stating that they are Filipino citizens.
Morente issued another warning to illegal foreign vendors in the country. “Do not attempt to try to earn off the holiday rush through illegal means,” said Morente. “Foreign nationals must comply with our laws, lest face deportation,” he added.
The 17 Chinese nationals were brought to the BI Detention Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig pending deportation proceedings, while the three have been released after presenting proof of Philippine citizenship.
