(File photo)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said its intensified crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 1,085 erring foreigners in the country last year.
In a statement, Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the figure includes high-profile cases such as four Japanese fugitives involved in violent crimes in Tokyo, a Sudanese man involved in organ trafficking, and a Mongolian high official wanted for corruption.
He also reported that more than 3,300 aliens have been denied entry after being found to be improperly documented, blacklisted or have a doubtful purpose of entering the country as well as other immigration violations.
In 2023, the BI arrested 128 fugitives involved in different cases in their home countries.
Majority of the arrested foreigners were South Koreans and Chinese nationals, who were reported by their authorities to be involved in cases such as fraud and other illegal activities.
At the same time, Tansingco has instructed officers and agents to intensify their drive against wanted criminals attempting to use the Philippines as their hideout.
He said the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) is closely coordinating with foreign governments to receive information about foreign criminals in the country.
Tansingco said the system at the ports of entry and exit are also connected with the interpol, further adding a layer of protection against undesirable aliens attempting to enter the Philippines.
The move is in support of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) call to secure borders against individuals who pose a threat to national security.
On Tuesday, BI agents arrested another foreign fugitive in Manila.
Taiwanese national Wu Jao alias Wu Chun Hsien, 52, was arrested by FSU operatives along Benavides St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila pursuant to a mission order issued by Tansingco following information from Taiwanese authorities of his crimes.
Wu is reportedly the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for violation of the Controlling Guns, Ammunitions and Knives Act of Taiwan.
He was said to be involved in a shooting incident in Taiwan in 2022 where he indiscriminately discharged a firearm and hit his victim's residence.
The BI has also received a complaint against Wu from a Filipino victim, who alleged that a case for oral defamation and trespassing were filed against him in Cagayan.
The foreigner has been tagged as an undocumented alien as his passport has already been revoked by Taiwanese authorities.
Wu will remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending deportation. (PNA)
