By Lane Afable, News Editor
Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese fugitive and five other foreign nationals during an enforcement operation in Pasay City.
A composite team led by agents of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with Chinese authorities, the Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, and the Philippine Air Force, arrested a 34-year-old Chinese national wanted by authorities in China for allegedly concealing illegal financial gains.
The BI said the operation stemmed from a request for assistance coursed through Philippine authorities regarding the subject’s active criminal detention warrant issued by Chinese law enforcement.
During the operation, agents encountered five other Chinese nationals inside the premises: four of them—aged 32 to 39—were allegedly caught operating computer workstations and electronic devices suspected to be linked to online fraud activities.
Verification later showed that one of the individuals is also a fugitive wanted in China for fraud, while three others were found to be overstaying in the Philippines.
A sixth individual, aged 47, was likewise apprehended after failing to present a valid passport or immigration documents during inspection.
All subjects are facing immigration cases and will remain in the BI’s facility in Taguig City.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Bureau remains relentless in pursuing foreign fugitives and syndicates engaged in illegal activities in the country.
“The Philippines will not be used as a refuge by foreign fugitives and criminal groups. We are strengthening coordination with international law enforcement partners to ensure that those involved in fraud, cybercrime, and other unlawful activities are located, arrested, and deported,” said Viado.
