Bureau of Immigration-Clark arrests 2 Koreans in Bataan

CLARK FREEPORT , Philippines   – At least two Korean nationals were arrested last Monday by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for illegally operating a language school in a resort in Abucay, Bataan.

In his report to Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Immigration Area Office II chief Heranio Manalo identified the arrested Koreans as Kim Seung Hee and Kang Sung Rak.

The Koreans, Manalo said, were operating the language school Woo Rido Ri Subic Learning Center at the Raven Resort and Log Cabin in Abucay town without the necessary accreditation from the BI.

The operation against the Koreans began last July 7 after the BI received information on the language school’s operation. Manalo, in a memorandum, directed his men to gather information and monitor the activities of the Koreans.

The initial investigation, Manalo said in his report, yielded negative results, but subsequent information revealed that Kim, acting president of the school, reserved several rooms in the resort for the use of Korean students who were due to arrive this month to take up the English language course.

Aside from the Koreans managing and operating the school, there were also several Filipino English teachers conducting actual teaching to 26 Korean children aged nine to 16, Manalo added.

When arrested, Kim, a holder of an I-card with Special Subic Working Visa, and the other Koreans failed to present their passports for verification.

Manalo said the 26 Korean children also lacked the necessary Special Study Permit issued by the bureau.

Manalo said he has recommended the filing of charges against Kim and Kang for violation of their stay in the country while the rest are liable for their failure to present their passports for verification.