Manila, Jan. 10 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of 83 foreign nationals during a large-scale operation at a shopping mall in Baclaran, Paranaque City.

The operation, which stemmed from intelligence reports, was carried out on Jan. 7, following weeks of surveillance and verification, according to a belated news release.

The apprehended foreigners were 68 Bangladeshi nationals, 14 Chinese and one Indian. There were 2 females in the group.

Initial records check showed that while some held valid visas, they were engaged in retail trade activities prohibited under Philippine law.

The report added that 18 of the foreigners are holding tourist visas, while the identities of six are under verification.

The f...