Bi Agents Nab 14 Koreans Working As Illegal Aliens

FOURTEEN South Koreans were arrested in Angeles City after Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives raided a suspected illegal back-office operation as part of the government’s intensified campaign against unauthorized foreign employment and transnational crime.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Sunday that the operation was carried out by the BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team (ID-SRT), following tips about Koreans working illegally inside a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.

The raid resulted in the arrest of 14 Koreans, 13 men and a woman, who were allegedly operating an unauthorized back-office facility.

BI operatives moved in after validating reports that foreigners were allegedly working in the country without the required alien employment permit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and from the immigration bureau.

Viado said the operation forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the fight against transnational crimes and crack down on foreigners who violate Philippine immigration laws.

“The BI remains relentless in going after foreign nationals who exploit their stay in the Philippines by engaging in unauthorized business or employment,” Viado said.

The immigration chief said authorities are expanding efforts to dismantle unauthorized foreign-run operations, particularly those operating inside residential condominiums and commercial establishments.