Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested two international fugitives in back-to-back operations on Tuesday.
According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, an operation at Paco, Manila on November 7 yielded the arrest of a Chinese national, whom the Luoyuan County Public Security Bureau wants for obtaining loans by fraudulent means.
Tansingco identified the Chinese as Guo Shangming, 45, who was reported by Chinese authorities for failing to repay his loan of more than Php 2,000,000.. Shangming was also said to have overstayed his visa when he arrived in the Philippines in 2020.
Meanwhile, South Korean national Hyeong Jinwoo, 38, was arrested as an undesirable alien during an operation in Intramuros, Manila.
Records from the BI showed that Hyeong was tagged as a fugitive from justice by the Korean government, with outstanding arrest warrants issued by the Suwon District Court for Fraud and Organization of Criminal Groups.
Hyeong was said to be a member of the MinJun Pa, a voice phishing syndicate based in Metro Manila that illegally operates as a financial institution falsely offering low-interest loans in exchange for upfront payment of outstanding debts and processing fees.
Tansingco further disclosed that Hyeong has been hiding in the Philippines since 2018 and that his syndicate has defrauded almost Php 14,000,000 from its victims.
BI arrests Chinese, Korean fugitives
The BI Chief then condemned foreigners performing illicit activities in the country. “Do not make the Philippines your breeding ground for your crimes,” he said. “Our agency will not take a rest until all of these felons are brought to justice,” added Tansingco.
The arrested fugitives’ passports were revoked by Chinese and Korean authorities, and they are now considered as undocumented and undesirable aliens by Philippine immigration.
Meanwhile, BI said its officers at the airport have uncovered an emerging trafficking scheme that facilitates the departure of victims to work destinations other than those indicated in the valid employment documents.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that their personnel recently intercepted three passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Two of the passengers admitted that they were bound for Dubai, although the documents they presented purport that they would return to their former employers.
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