More than 70 undocumented Chinese are brought to the Bureau of Immigration following their arrest in Binondo. ANTHONY CHING The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 74 Chinese and an Indian during a raid Tuesday on a shopping mall in Binondo, Manila.

According to the BI, the raid conducted on 999 Shopping Mall showed many undocumented aliens working at the mall. Some are even operating their own retail outlets at the shopping center.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said he issued the mission order authorizing the Bureau’s operatives to conduct the raid due to persistent reports received by his office about undocumented Chinese doing business inside the said establishment.

“The Philippine Immigration Act prohibits foreign nationals from working in the Philippines without a valid working visa or permit. Likewise, they were also prohibited from engaging in retail business, competing with small Filipino businessmen as it will deprive the latter of livelihood opportunities,” Morente said.

BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said those arrested will have to undergo preliminary investigation at the Bureau’s Legal Division to determine their status.

He said initial assessment shows that most of the Chinese are either overstaying tourists or undocumented at the time of their arrest.

“Once ascertained, they could be charged with violating the conditions of their stay, as temporary visitors are not supposed to engage in gainful activity during their stay in the country,” he said.

Morente said foreigners with legitimate intentions are welcome to enter the country and stay here as long as they are properly documented and follow Philippine laws.

However, he added foreigners found violating the country’s immigration laws will be immediately deported and barred from returning to the country.