By Brian Jules Campued
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Thursday the arrest of three illegal aliens in separate operations who were attempting to leave the Philippines through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The BI’s Border Control Intelligence Unit (BCIU) intercepted 44-year old Chinese, Liu Shengtao, boarding a Singapore-bound flight at the NAIA Terminal 3 on Jan. 14.
Liu is reportedly wanted by the Chinese authorities for involvement in covering up and concealing criminal proceeds which is said to be in violation of Chinese laws.
The BI received information about his crimes in China last September 2023, however, he has been living in the country through a working visa issued in 2022.
Also nabbed were 36-year old Aoi Ikeda while attempting to depart an Emirates flight to Dubai on Jan. 15.
The Japanese fugitive was said to be the president of a Philippine-based business process outsourcing company in Makati which allegedly operates scams.
He was last admitted to the country in August 2023 under a working visa, according to the BI.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese fugitive Chai Kaw-Sing was apprehended while onboarding a flight to Hong Kong on Jan. 16.
The 48-year old Chai was found to be the subject of an Interpol red notice for fraudulent fundraising following his entry to the country with an Asia Pacific Economic (APEC) business travel card which was only for individuals and government officials engaged in APEC business.
All three foreign nationals will be detained at the agency’s warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig while waiting for their deportation.
Commissioner Norman Tansingco condemned the said fugitives from justice who were finding refuge in the country.
“The BI is committed to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice, and we stand ready to collaborate with our international partners to maintain the integrity of our borders and uphold the rule of law,” Tansingco said in a statement. – cf