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Korean Nationals Nabbed In Suspected Illegal Back-Office Operation In Pampanga
Photo credit: BI
Fourteen South Korean nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga after immigration authorities allegedly caught them working in an unauthorized back-office operation, as the government steps up its crackdown on illegal foreign employment and transnational crimes.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said its Intelligence Division's Special Response Team carried out the operation on July 1 at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang following intelligence reports about Korean nationals allegedly working without the proper permits.
During the raid, operatives found 13 Korean men and one Korean woman allegedly running what appeared to be a back-office facility. The group was immediately subjected to immigration verification after authorities found indications they were engaged in gainful employment.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen efforts against illegal foreign workers and transnational criminal activities.
"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.
He added that these hidden back-office operations have become a growing concern because they may be connected to other unlawful activities. According to Viado, the bureau will continue intelligence-driven operations to identify similar establishments, hold violators accountable, and strictly enforce Philippine immigration laws.
The 14 foreign nationals were taken to the BI main office for booking, biometric registration, and records verification. Immigration authorities are also conducting a deeper investigation to determine the full scope of the alleged operation and any possible violations of Philippine immigration laws.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said its Intelligence Division's Special Response Team carried out the operation on July 1 at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang following intelligence reports about Korean nationals allegedly working without the proper permits.
During the raid, operatives found 13 Korean men and one Korean woman allegedly running what appeared to be a back-office facility. The group was immediately subjected to immigration verification after authorities found indications they were engaged in gainful employment.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen efforts against illegal foreign workers and transnational criminal activities.
"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.
He added that these hidden back-office operations have become a growing concern because they may be connected to other unlawful activities. According to Viado, the bureau will continue intelligence-driven operations to identify similar establishments, hold violators accountable, and strictly enforce Philippine immigration laws.
The 14 foreign nationals were taken to the BI main office for booking, biometric registration, and records verification. Immigration authorities are also conducting a deeper investigation to determine the full scope of the alleged operation and any possible violations of Philippine immigration laws.
Jul 11, 2026
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