PH DEPORTS 2 JAPANESE FUGITIVES

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported two Japanese nationals wanted for fraud and money laundering in Japan.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed the deportation of Ito Shinya, 36, and Kawasaki Hiroyuki, 37, who were placed on board Japan Airlines Flight JL746 bound for Narita, Japan on March 3.

The two fugitives were previously arrested following coordination with Japanese authorities, which confirmed their involvement in falsification of official documents and financial fraud schemes.

Both were charged in Japan for their roles in creating false records on electronic or magnetic notarized deeds and using shell companies to launder illicit funds.

“The deportation of these fugitives is a testament to the strengthened cooperation between the Philippine government and its international counterparts in combating transnational crime,” said Viado.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the Philippines does not serve as a haven for criminals,” he added.

The deportation was carried out following the approval of the BI Board of Commissioners, which ordered the summary deportation.

Both individuals have been included in the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring them from re-entering the country.

The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster immigration enforcement and prevent foreign criminals from exploiting the Philippines as a refuge.

“The administration’s commitment to modernizing immigration processes and strengthening border security ensures that our country remains safe from those who seek to evade justice,” Viado added.