BI: 268 foreign fugitives arrested

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested 268 foreign fugitives in the first six months of the year, the agency reported yesterday, noting a four-fold increase compared to 69 apprehensions made during the same period in 2024.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said this was based on a report from Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Ryan Sy, which keeps tabs on arrests and apprehensions.

Viado said that “Our continued cooperation with foreign governments and international law enforcement agencies will ensure that the Philippines remains a secure nation from these fugitives.”

Between January and April, four Japanese nationals believed to be members of the “Luffy” syndicate, were arrested as all were wanted in their home country for theft. Allegedly, their modus was to impersonate police officers to gain entry into homes and carry out robberies.

Among those apprehended was Korean national Lee Jihwan, arrested on Jan. 8 in Talisay City, Cebu, for a violent robbery in South Korea. Authorities said Lee and his accomplice attacked a victim with a hand axe and forced him to transfer 10 million Korean won (KRW) to a personal account.

Another Korean national, Chu Hoyong, was captured on Feb. 13 for reportedly defrauding victims of KRW 2.26 billion using fake real estate collateral. He is considered a high-value target by Korean authorities and is allegedly linked to telecom fraud operations in the Philippines.

On May 21, seven more Japanese nationals connected to the “JP Dragon” syndicate were apprehended for similar crimes. The group is known for targeting elderly victims by posing as authorities and stealing their ATM cards and banking details. The syndicate’s alleged leader, Ryuji Yoshioka, was also nabbed on June 4 in Angeles, Pampanga.

All those arrested will undergo deportation proceedings and will be expelled from the country for being undesirable aliens.