MANILA - Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 30 Chinese nationals found to be working illegally in several establishments in Parañaque City, Thursday evening.

Intelligence operatives of the Bureau of Immigration arrested 30 Chinese nationals working illegally in 16 establishments in Parañaque, Thursday. @DZMMTeleRadyo

— Dexter Ganibe (@dzmmRP45) February 9, 2019

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were caught working without proper documentation, which was a "violation of the Philippine Immigration Act."

The raid targeted 16 establishments at the Solemare Parksuites and Aseana Power Station in the said city, it added.

"Our intel has received anonymous information that numerous foreigners were working illegally in the area," Morente said.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. further disclosed that the foreigners, who were allegedly working as cooks, hairstylists, and vendors were either "working under a tourist visa" or "undocumented [and] overstaying."

Manahan also said another batch of 17 Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese national were nabbed during the raid but were later recommended for release after presenting the corresponding documentation.

In the statement, Morente warned that "more arrests" will come due to their intensified crackdown on illegal aliens.

"I hope that this incident serves as a warning to all. We are serious in our drive against illegal aliens. You better follow the law, or face deportation," he said.