ANGELES CITY — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 14 South Korean nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorized work during an intelligence operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation was conducted on July 1 by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team (ID-SRT), resulting in the arrest of 13 Korean men and one Korean woman found allegedly operating a suspected illegal back-office facility.
The operation stemmed from intelligence reports regarding Korean nationals believed to be working illegally at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.
Acting on the information, BI operatives immediately proceeded to the location, where they discovered 14 Korean nationals actively manning what appeared to be a back-office operation. The foreign nationals were subjected to immigration verification and documentation after authorities found indications that they were engaged in gainful employment.
“The BI remains relentless in going after foreign nationals who exploit their stay in the Philippines by engaging in unauthorized business or employment,” said Viado. “These clandestine back-office operations have become a growing concern because they may be linked to other unlawful activities. We will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations to identify these establishments, hold violators accountable, and ensure that the country’s immigration laws are strictly enforced.”
Viado emphasized that the operation forms part of the BI’s intensified efforts to curb illegal foreign employment and dismantle unauthorized operations involving foreign nationals, particularly those operating discreetly in residential and commercial establishments.
The 14 Korean nationals were taken to the BI Main Office for booking, biometric registration, records verification, and appropriate immigration proceedings. Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine the full extent of the operation and any possible violations of Philippine immigration laws.
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