Immigration agents bag Korean working sans permit

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Acting swiftly on a complaint by “victimized” Filipinos, agents of the regional offices of the Bureau of Immigration Region 1 and Cordillera (BI-R1-CAR) arrested Thursday afternoon a 49-year old Korean “undesirable”.

Cha Choonhwa, who claims to be a pastor, was collared by BI agents led by Joel Catinec, BI-La Union chief of staff in front of the gates of English School E-Deun Academy Inc. he and another Korean bought six months ago.

“We found out that Choon­hwa and his cohort Jeon Yong-Guk violated Philippine immigration laws when they worked in the country without government sanctions,” Immigration director for Region 1 CAR Bienvenido Reyes said.

Choonhwa and Jeon Yong-Guk did not have permits from the labor department as DOLE-CAR director Ana Dione vouched that the duo even did not apply for the required Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

“They deceived the government and has defrauded even by omitting their obligations to the treasury,” Reyes said as he warned foreign nationals, not only Koreans in Northern Luzon, to follow laws in the country.

BI Commission Marcelino Libanan hailed the move of BI Region 1-CAR officials saying the relentless campaign against undesirable aliens is paying off, through dissemination information nationwide. Libanan said working or doing business in the country without obtaining necessary permits are strictly enforced. And since it’s now easy to obtain necessary papers for these foreigners, there should be no more reasons for them not to abide by Philippine immigration laws.

“Summary deportation proceedings will be executed against Choonhwa while Yong-Guk will be hunted down also by our agents,” said Reyes.

Choonhwa will be detained temporarily at the BI Bicutan Detention Station in Taguig City while deportation proceedings are conducted and “he will also enjoy due process of law,” Reyes said.

Reyes, whose office was only created four months ago, reiterated his warning for foreign nationals, especially Koreans, to learn lessons from Choonhwa’s situation.