Dozens of Chinese nationals were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal retail in the Philippines.

The 37 Chinese individuals - 30 men and seven women - were detained on June 4 for reportedly running retail businesses without permits at an upmarket housing estate in Paranaque City in the National Capital Region.

The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the raid came following reports of an influx of Chinese nationals in the area.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement: 'We received credible information about foreign nationals engaging in illegal retail activities, and our team acted swiftly to address these violations.

'This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of our immigration laws and protect local businesses from unfair competition.'

The Chinese were being held at the BI's detention facility in Taguig City pending deportation.

Philippine Senator Raffy Tulfo has urged a probe into the Chinese 'encroachment', which is believed to be linked to notorious offshore gambling companies known locally as 'Pogos'.

The Philippines has seen a spate of illegal Chinese workers after former president Rodrigo Duterte cultivated warmer ties with China during his term.

The former Chief Executive had welcomed Pogos claiming they brought in much-needed revenue for the government.

However, the companies have been linked to a slew of criminal cases, including human trafficking, scams, and kidnapping.