BI Nets 83 Illegal Aliens in Baclaran Shopping Mall Raid

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado

BI Nets 83 Illegal Aliens in Baclaran Shopping Mall Raid

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 13, 2026

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to bolster border security and protect Filipino livelihoods, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended 83 foreign nationals engaged in illegal retail activities during a raid on a Baclaran shopping mall. The operation underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding legitimate businesses from unfair competition.

The meticulously planned raid, culminating in weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, targeted a retail center in the bustling Baclaran district. BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. stated that the operation was prompted by credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of foreign workers unlawfully conducting retail operations in the area.

Armed with a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, BI operatives swiftly moved into the retail center on Wednesday morning, resulting in the arrest of:

• 68 Bangladeshi nationals
• 14 Chinese nationals
• 1 Indian national

The detained individuals comprised 81 males and 2 females.

Preliminary investigations revealed that while a portion of those arrested possessed valid visas, they were demonstrably violating the terms of their entry by engaging in retail trade—an activity explicitly prohibited under Philippine law without proper authorization. Eighteen individuals were found to be holding tourist visas, while the identities and immigration status of six others remain under verification.

The arrested individuals now face a battery of immigration charges, including undocumented stay, misrepresentation, and violations of Republic Act No. 8762, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. This law strictly prohibits foreigners from participating in retail trade without the necessary permits and licenses, irrespective of their visa status.

Commissioner Viado emphasized the government’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, stating, “The President has been very clear in his directive—our immigration laws must be enforced firmly and without exception. Foreign nationals who abuse their stay and illegally compete with Filipino livelihoods will be dealt with accordingly.”

Following their apprehension, all 83 foreign nationals were taken into BI custody for thorough documentation, inquest proceedings, and the commencement of deportation proceedings, adhering to established immigration laws and procedures.

The BI has issued a stern warning to all foreign nationals to meticulously adhere to the conditions of their stay in the Philippines. Furthermore, the bureau urged business establishments to diligently ensure that their employees and operators are properly documented and legally authorized to conduct business within the country. The BI’s action serves as a clear signal of its unwavering commitment to upholding immigration laws and protecting the interests of Filipino workers and businesses.