BI Dismantles Illegal Back-Office Operation, Arrests 14 Koreans

BI Dismantles Illegal Back-Office Operation, Arrests 14 Koreans

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In Angeles City, Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended 14 South Korean nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorized employment during a targeted intelligence operation. This decisive action underscores an intensified campaign against transnational crimes and illicit foreign employment.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that the operation, executed on July 1 by the BI Intelligence Division’s Special Response Team (ID-SRT), led to the arrest of 13 men and one woman. They were found operating what authorities suspect to be an illegal back-office facility.

The operation was initiated following intelligence reports detailing Korean nationals believed to be working without proper authorization within a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.

Upon arrival, BI operatives discovered the 14 Korean nationals actively engaged in the back-office operation. Subsequent immigration verification revealed clear indications of their unauthorized employment.

Commissioner Viado stated, “The BI remains resolute in pursuing foreign nationals who exploit their stay in the Philippines through illicit business or employment. These covert back-office operations are a growing concern, often linked to other unlawful activities. We will persist in our intelligence-driven operations to identify such establishments, ensure accountability, and vigorously enforce the nation’s immigration laws.”

Viado further emphasized that this operation is integral to the BI’s efforts to curtail illegal foreign employment and dismantle unauthorized operations involving foreign nationals, particularly those discreetly operating within residential and commercial settings.

The 14 Korean nationals have been transported to the BI Main Office for booking, biometric registration, records verification, and the initiation of appropriate immigration proceedings. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full scope of the operation and identify any additional violations of Philippine immigration laws.

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