Authorities arrested 37 Chinese nationals for allegedly working at a construction site illegally in Cotabato City.

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the foreigners were found to be working at the construction site of a mall project on November 13, 2024.

“They were arrested on the strength of a mission order issued by Viado after receiving information from government intelligence sources that the construction of the building was being done by illegal aliens,” BI said.

The operation was launched together with the military and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

BI said majority of the Chinese nationals arrested have presented a 9(g) working visa but were petitioned by a different company.

Some also failed to present documents while the rest were only holding tourist visas.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned foreign nationals not to work in the country without the appropriate visas or permits.

The 37 Chinese nationals are facing deportation and will be placed under BI custody during the process.