MANILA, Philippines – It’s not only in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese nationals were reported to have encroached.

The same has allegedly happened in Divisoria, Manila where Chinese vendors occupied the sidewalk to trade their products although the city government and the Bureau of Immigration were quick to make the necessary action resulting in the arrest of at least 17 Chinese nationals on Thursday (28 November 2019).

According to the report, the foreigners were arrested as they illegally “encroached” on areas not allowed for sidewalk vending without the necessary permit.

They have accordingly taken advantage of the Christmas Season rush without appropriate immigration visas or permits.

The operation stemmed from complaints of local Filipino vendors who were also in the same area but with necessary permits.

Their complaints were forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration and BI Commissioner Jaime Morente immediately issued a mission order to arrest the foreigners.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. said that they were only actually targeting one individual but upon reaching the site, they found 20 more foreigners selling garlic, onions and other sidewalk products without permit and without paying proper taxes.

Morente again warned illegal foreign vendors in the country not to attempt to take advantage of the holiday rush by illegal means.

Morento also added that they need to respond to law enforcement agencies to prevent deportation.

The arrested Chinese nationals were taken to the BI Detention Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings.

However, three Fil-Chinese individuals were immediately released after showing evidence confirming that they were Filipino citizens. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)