The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested six foreign nationals allegedly working illegally at separate commercial establishments in Binondo, Manila.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said the six foreign nationals were arrested at a known mall in Binondo during an enforcement operation against illegal foreign workers.

The foreigners were allegedly engaged in retail activities that, aside from violating the Retail Trade Act, also violated the conditions of their stay in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, authorities were still determining the identities and citizenship of two of those arrested, who insisted that they were Filipino citizens.

The BI launched the operation after receiving an intelligence report that several foreign nationals were working at the commercial establishment without the required work permits.

The arrested foreigners are set to face complaints for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.