2 Koreans arrested in Cebu for working without visa

Two Korean nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) authorities for working in the Philippines without a visa.

Below is the report of BI posted on their Facebook page.

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Intelligence agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested on Monday afternoon two Koreans for allegedly working without a visa.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. identified the aliens as Kang Jiwon, 41, and Han Sungmin, 45. The duo were arrested by BI ID Regional Intelligence Unit 7 agents in a posh resort in Barangay Agus Road, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu province.

According to Manahan, the operation was a result of a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, following complaints received from private individuals against the two.

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During the arrest, the agents, aided by Korean interpreters, found that Kang was working without a valid visa or permit, while Han was found to be both working without a valid visa and overstaying.

“Both were also unable to present their documentation,” said Manahan. “They have been submitted for inquest and filing of charges for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940,” he added.

2 Koreans arrested in Cebu for working without visa

The two are temporarily held in the BI Cebu Detention Facility for temporary custody before the filing of charges and deportation.

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Morente commended the BI Intelligence Division for the arrest, while warning other illegal aliens not to abuse Philippine laws. “Despite the pandemic, we are ensuring that we are rid of illegal aliens,” he stated. “Foreign nationals should abide by immigration laws while in the country, or else they will be deported,” he warned.

Meanwhile, BI operatives arrested on Wednesday morning a Korean wanted in his home country for operating an online prostitution advertising site.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente announced the arrest of Seo Jungnam, 41, in an operation conducted in Amor Riverside Anunas, Angeles City, Pampanga by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI FSU).

The operation, in coordination with Korean authorities, was conducted upon receipt of information that Seo is a fugitive in Korea, with an Interpol Seoul Notice issued this December.

According to BI FSU Chief Bobby Raquepo, Seo has been in the country since 2015, and is a suspect in a sexual exploitation and prostitution case in Korea for allegedly placing prostitution advertisements online, as well as in business areas.