The Bureau of Immigration has deported two Chinese nationals trading rice in violation of the conditions of their status as visitors.

Li Qiong Li alias Zeny Uy and Huang Xiu Run alias Ting Ting Li, who arrived in the country last Jan. 6 as tourists, left Tuesday on a China Southern Airlines flight to Xiamen, China on orders of Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.

He said the two were subjected to summary deportation proceedings before the board of commissioners last April 18.

Records indicated that Li has overstayed while Huang is an undocumented alien.

Having been blacklisted and barred from reentering the country, the two made to pay P50,000 each as additional penalty.

"It is unlawful for any foreigner to engage in gainful activity here without the appropriate visa," he said, noting the need to protect local traders.

President Arroyo accompanied a team of National Bureau of Investigation agents in turning Li and Huang to Immigration last April 17.

Taking time out of her schedule, she led the convoy that brought the two on the same day to the agency's detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Mrs. Arroyo's unannounced visit underscored the government's resolve to go after illegal grains traders particularly hoarders.

The two were arrested last April 16 while tending to a store in San Vicente village in Ilagan town, Isabela; they failed to show their immigration documents.

The arresting officers seized 76 sacks of palay and it was found that they had no license from the National Food Authority.