Philippine authorities have arrested 17 Chinese nationals wanted for internet fraud and cybercrimes in China, a senior government official said Friday.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the alien fugitives, 15 of them women, were arrested in Makati City, Metro Manila last Monday during an operation conducted by elements of the immigration fugitive search unit.

He said the arresting agents stumbled upon the fugitives inside their condominium units in a day-long operation at the Manhattan Square compound along San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

"All of them could not present their passports and travel documents, thus we will deport them for being undocumented and overstaying aliens," David said.

Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, said BI operatives conducted intensive surveillance on the foreigners' safehouse for several days before they were arrested.

Mangrobang said the Chinese embassy has sought the immediate deportation of the fugitives so they could face criminal prosecution in China.

"The aliens were subsequently charged with violating our immigration law and they will be deported after the BI board of commissioners issues the order for their summary deportation," he added. Endi

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