Pampanga, Philippines – Immigration authorities arrested 14 South Korean nationals in Angeles City, Pampanga, over their alleged involvement in an illegal back-office operation. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) carried out the raid on July 1, netting 13 men and one woman at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang.
According to a press release from the Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph), the arrests were the result of an intelligence-driven operation targeting foreign nationals suspected of working in the country without proper authorization.
What Happened
The operation was conducted by the BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team (ID-SRT). Agents acted on tips about Korean nationals allegedly employed without permits inside a condominium complex in the city.
When operatives arrived, they found all 14 foreigners actively working in what appeared to be a functioning back-office facility. Authorities immediately subjected them to immigration checks and documentation after seeing signs that pointed to unauthorized employment.
The raid ties into President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s standing order to crack down on transnational crimes and illegal foreign employment across the country.
What Authorities Found
Investigators flagged the site as a suspected illegal back-office operation. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details:
- Arrested: 14 South Korean nationals (13 men, 1 woman)
- Location: A condominium complex in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City
- Date: July 1
- Lead unit: BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team (ID-SRT)
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said these hidden operations are becoming a bigger worry because of what they might be tied to.
“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. “These clandestine back-office operations have become a growing concern because they may be linked to other unlawful activities.”
He added that the bureau will keep running intelligence-based operations to find similar setups, especially those hiding inside residential and commercial buildings.
What Happens Next
The 14 Koreans were taken to the BI Main Office, where they went through:
- Booking
- Biometric registration
- Records verification
- Immigration proceedings
Officials say the investigation is far from over. They are still working to uncover the full scope of the operation and pin down any other violations of Philippine immigration law. More arrests or charges could follow as the probe continues.