Authorities arrest 324 illegal aliens in Palawan

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 17) — Authorities arrested 324 Chinese nationals in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Monday.

The foreigners lacked proper documents and were supposedly involved in cyber crime and other illegal activities.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Intelligence Division, backed up by the military, conducted the operation. Authorities rounded up the illegal workers from eight hotels and establishments.

They seized hundreds of laptops, cellular phones and gadgets.

"They will undergo deportation proceedings for violating the conditions of their stay in the country and working here without permits. Initial reports indicate that most of these aliens are overstaying and undocumented," said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente in a statement.

Authorities acted on a number of complaints from local officials about illegal Chinese workers in the city. Inns and hotels where workers reside were raided after weeks of surveillance.

Morente said the BI will continue its campaign against illegal aliens, especially those engaged in unauthorized online gaming, cyber fraud and investment scams.