9 Chinese face deportation

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deport nine Chinese for illegally working as vendors in the country, an official said yesterday.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Cai Shaoqiu, Cai Shengfeng, Tian Changsheng, She Lijuan, Lin Manyi, Zeng Xinfu, Xiao Jinxiang, Zhang Yang Sheng and Chichi Zhuang were arrested in separate operations in Manila and Pasay City on Oct. 26.

Morente said the aliens were caught in the act of selling retail goods by BI intelligence operatives.

They were taken into BI custody after they failed to present work permits.

“We will deport them for violating our immigration laws. Foreigners are prohibited from engaging in any gainful activity without the proper visas,” Morente said.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said it was possible that some foreigners may attempt to enter the country this Christmas season to do illegal business.

“I cannot say that there is a trend, but it is a possibility even for other nationalities, that illegal aliens may abuse the holiday season given the higher demand for retail goods,” Sandoval said.