By Lane Afable, News Editor
Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a South Korean national wanted by authorities in Korea and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with Korean authorities and the Philippine National Police, arrested 34-year-old Korean national Seong Jeonghu during an enforcement operation conducted on May 14 along 7th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
According to the BI, Seong is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Busan District Court in South Korea for alleged violation of the country’s National Sports Promotion Act. An Interpol Red Notice was likewise issued against him in April 2020.
The BI said South Korean authorities formally requested assistance from the Philippine government after the fugitive was reported to have fled to the country to evade prosecution.
FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said the operation was carried out after intelligence verification confirmed the subject’s presence in Taguig City.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest highlights the Bureau’s continuing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in tracking down fugitives hiding in the Philippines.
“We will never allow the Philippines to become a sanctuary for foreign fugitives escaping justice in their own countries,” said Viado. “Under the directive of President Marcos, we are aggressively pursuing undesirable aliens and strengthening our coordination with international partners to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are located, arrested, and deported,” he added
The Korean fugitive was brought to the BI Warden Facility where he shall remain while facing deportation proceedings.
