Fugitive Filipino helpers arrested in Busan blame improper monitoring for leaving Seoul

Two Filipino care workers, who left their workplace without authorization in Seoul last month and were detained in Busan, were found to be working illegally in cleaning jobs.

Philippine authorities cited excessive surveillance as the reason for his unauthorized departure. The Philippine government has urged the remaining 98 Filipino workers in South Korea to comply with immigration laws.

Hans Leo Cacdac, secretary of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), said on Wednesday that the government is awaiting the results of the investigation conducted by South Korean local authorities into the unauthorized departure of the workers.

Cacdac emphasized that the Philippine government is providing legal assistance to the workers to ensure that they will not face undue pressure during the investigation.

According to reports from Philippine media outlet GMA, the two caregivers claimed they faced difficulties due to alleged overwork and surveillance.

“They managed to find another job that offered work as a cleaner. So that’s where they got caught, with their new employer. They were taken to the immigration authority in Busan,” said Bernard Olalia, DMW undersecretary.