2 Chinese engaged in illegal retail trade to be deported

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deport two Chinese nationals who have been detained in a jail in Bicutan, Taguig, and for illegally engaging in the retail trade business, an official said Friday.

BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said he recently ordered the immediate deportation of Li Guangxiang, 55, and Kang Dingwu, 42, after investigation found that they operated stores here that sold retail goods to the public.

He said that by engaging in gainful activities, the foreigners violated the conditions of their stay as tourists, an offense which is a ground for deportation under the country’s immigration act.

"Let this serve as a warning to other foreigners that they cannot sell retail goods as such business is reserved only to Filipinos," the BI chief said.

He stressed that the law forbids aliens from plying the retail trade to protect small Filipino traders from being subjected to unfair competition by foreign businessmen.

Arvin Santos, BI law and investigation chief, said both Chinese nationals were apprehended by immigration agents in late January when they were caught in the act of selling retail goods inside their stores.

Santos said the aliens' activities were subjected to surveillance after their Filipino competitors complained to the BI that the Chinese nationals were robbing them of business opportunities.

"They were already placed in our blacklist so that after they leave they won't be able to return to resume their illegal business activities," Santos added.

It was learned that Li was arrested last Jan. 23 at the Sta. Lucia Mall in Cainta, Rizal, where he operated porcelain store called Triple Eight China.

On the other hand, Kang was apprehended last January 28 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport when he was barred from leaving after being served with a mission order from David.

David issued the mission order after BI operatives reported that he owns and manages the Tailg Electronic Bicycle Shop that has branches in the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasay. (SDR/Sunnex)