Manila, June 16 -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino on Tuesday reminded foreign nationals and their employers to secure proper employment permits before engaging in work in the Philippines.

In a statement, Tolentino said foreigners intending to work in the country are required to have a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP), in addition to their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)-which only allows residency.

"When you have the ACR, you're allowed to reside in the Philippines. When you have the AEP, you're allowed to work. That's the difference," Tolentino said, reiterating that foreign nationals are not allowed to legally work without the AEP issued by the department.

He warned that failure to s...