Three foreign fugitives face deportation after arrest

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended three foreign nationals attempting to leave the country, all of whom are facing deportation due to various offenses.

In a press release by the immigration bureau on Thursday, its border control intelligence unit intercepted the three foreign fugitives in different instances this week, as they were about to depart at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The fugitives, according to the BI, will also be deported to their respective countries. 

In the same release, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco condemned the fugitives seeking refuge in the country. 

“The Philippines is not a haven for criminals,” Tansingco said in a statement, according to the press release. 

The first fugitive individual identified by BI was Liu Shengtao, a 44-year-old Chinese national, who was apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 on January 14 while attempting to board a flight bound for Singapore.

Liu, wanted by Chinese authorities for covering and concealing criminal proceeds in violation of Chinese laws, had been in the Philippines with a working visa issued in 2022.

Aoi Ikeda, a 36-year-old Japanese national, was intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 while trying to depart on an Emirates flight to Dubai on January 15. 

Multiple complaints have been filed with the National Bureau of Investigation regarding Ikeda's alleged involvement in a company operating scams. 

According to the BI, Ikeda serves as the president of a Philippine-based business process outsourcing company in Makati. Ikeda, admitted to the country in August 2023 under a working visa, now faces deportation for "undesirability."

Another fugitive, Chai Kaw-Sing, who is a 48-year-old Taiwanese was also caught apprehended at NAIA Terminal 3 attempting to board a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong.

According to the immigration bureau, Chai was found to be the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for “fraudulent fundraising.” 

He had entered the country with an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card, which is typically granted to individuals and government officials engaged in businesses of APEC.

All of the apprehended foreign nationals will be held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City as their deportation is being processed.