The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday announced that two charter flights flew yesterday loaded with deported Chinese nationals — a total of 294 out of the 329 arrested illegal Chinese workers in the country.

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the foreign nationals were part of the number arrested in eight different hotels and establishments last 16 September.

BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan, on the other hand, explained that the illegal Chinese workers were arrested for “violating the conditions of their stay by working in the country without the necessary permits and visas.”

He added that among the deported were seven minors who were intercepted during the same operation.

“Upon determination of their age, they were ordered released. Custody has been turned over to the Chinese Embassy and they have also flown out, bringing up the total number to 301,” said Manahan.

The BI Intelligence chief also noted that the passports of the 301 have also been cancelled by the Chinese government, making them undocumented aliens and they are the first batch to leave among those arrested in Palawan.

“There is a smaller group of 17 that will all be flown to Manila, whose deportation order is already being processed, while 11 have NBI hits — including the principal — hence we wait for the resolution of their local cases before implementing deportation,” Manahan said.

Before the implementation of their deportation, the group was temporarily detained in an inn in Puerto Princesa, which was secured by BI and WESCOM agents.

Morente, meantime, reiterated his warning against illegal aliens hiding in the country.

“We are targeting big companies who so blatantly disregard our laws by hiring improperly documented foreign nationals,” Morente said. “We welcome you to our country to do business as long as you comply with our laws. If you fail to follow, we will deport you.”