The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 14 South Korean nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorized work during an intelligence operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said 13 Korean men and one Korean woman were found allegedly operating a suspected illegal back-office facility. They were apprehended by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division's Special Response Team during the operation conducted on 1 July 2026.

The operation stemmed from intelligence reports regarding Korean nationals believed to be working illegally at a condominium complex in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.

Acting on the information, BI operatives immediately proceeded to the location, where they discovered 14 Korean nationals actively manning what appeared to be a back-office operation.

The foreign nationals were subjected to immigration verification and documentation after authorities found indications that they were engaged in gainful employment.

"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. We will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations to identify these establishments, hold violators accountable, and ensure that the country's immigration laws are strictly enforced," the BI chief added.

The 14 Korean nationals were brought to the BI Main Office for booking, biometric registration, records verification, and appropriate immigration proceedings.

Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine the full extent of the operation and any possible violations of Philippine immigration laws.