35 Chinese illegal workers nabbed in Parañaque, say

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended 35 Chinese males illegally working as construction workers in a subdivision in Parañaque City.

According to BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., the arrest was conducted on Wednesday which stemmed from a complaint against the foreigners causing trouble at a construction site inside Multinational Village in the said City.

“The location keeps on popping in different complaints, so this prompted us to conduct surveillance in the area and we indeed confirmed the presence of these illegal workers,” he said in a statement Thursday.

Armed with a mission order from BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the 27-man intelligence team arrested the Chinese who were caught in the act of doing manual labor.

“They were caught doing tile setting, finishing works, wood works, and other construction activities, which is in clear violation of the conditions of their stay,” Manahan said.

According to BI policy, foreign nationals are disallowed from engaging in work involving manual labor.

On the other hand, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the arrested foreigners are temporarily detained at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.

“They were found to be building villas in the area. We are considering forwarding the list to the Department of Labor and Employment for the appropriate action,” the BI official added in a text message.

Meanwhile, Morente lauded the recent arrest, adding that deportation proceedings will be initiated against the foreigners.

“We will initiate deportation proceedings against these illegal aliens for blatantly disobeying the law. They will be deported and barred from returning to the Philippines,” he said.

At the same time, the BI chief denied reports that there is a “crackdown” on Chinese nationals.

“We are not cracking down specific nationalities. We are after all illegal aliens. If you are an illegal alien, then let this serve as a reminder. Comply with the law, lest face the sanctions,” he said.

Morente also urged the public to forward information about illegal aliens in their area.

“Reports and complaints about illegal aliens lead to arrests. We urge the public, help us get rid of these illegals by reporting those within your community,” he added.

Last September, the BI also arrested 34 Chinese construction workers in a building along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.