BI, POEA bar Pinoy pro gamers from leaving country

UPDATED 13APRIL2015 4PM Filipino professional gaming team Rave was prevented by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) from departing for South Korea last week, April 3.

 

In a Facebook post, Rave member Jio “Jeyo” Madayag said that they were “asking for unnecessary documents that you need to pay for.”

 

 

Bam Aquino intervenes

 

Senator Bam Aquino is looking into the matter, and asking the BI and POEA to explain their decision.

 

“(These gamers) have traveled several times to South Korea using the same documents they presented in the past without any hitch. Suddenly, they were barred from leaving without any valid reason,” Aquino said in a press release on his website. “[The] Government should be able to provide an environment where our athletes, online or offline, be able to hone their skills, compete in world class competitions, and give honor and pride to our country.”

 

The Rave team members who were prevented from going to South Korea are Mark “Cast” Pilar, Djardel “Chrissy” Mampusti and Ryo “ryOyr” Hasegawa.

 

“We will continue helping them in any way we can because we believe in their potential in bringing honor to our country,” Aquino said.

 

BI response

 

In a statement published on its website on April 6, the Bureau of Immigration said that it was merely "implementing guidelines."

 

"The BI implements the guidelines on departure formalities issued by the Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). Under Part II of the guidelines, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) must possess an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) upon departure," BI spokesperson Elaine Tan said.

 

She said that in the case of the three passengers, they carried Korean E-6 visas, considered a working visa.

 

E-6 visas are issued for those "seeking to make profit through entertainment, sports and the like," the BI said in a news release.

 

For now, Tan said the BI is coordinating with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to make the process easier for the public.

 

"(But right) now, we must implement the guidelines," she said.

 

Also, the BI reminded Filipinos traveling overseas under an employment visa to secure the necessary Overseas Employment Certificate from the POEA before departure.