Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested six foreign nationals allegedly working illegally at commercial stalls inside a Binondo shopping mall, authorities said.

Immigration commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation targeted unauthorized foreign workers operating within the popular Manila commercial center.

The suspects were allegedly engaged in retail activities in violation of the conditions of their stay and the Retail Trade Act.

Authorities are also verifying the identities and citizenship of two individuals at the site who claimed to be Filipino citizens.

The enforcement operation was conducted following intelligence reports indicating foreign nationals were performing unauthorized retail work across several mall stalls.

The suspects face charges for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, the bureau said.