DOJ lauded for expediting case of Japanese fugitives

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) lauded yesterday the Department of Justice (DOJ) for expediting the criminal cases of four Japanese fugitives.

Watanabe Yuki, Saito Tomonobu, Fujita Toshiya and Imamura Kiyoto were deported to Tokyo this week.

They are wanted by the Japanese government for a string of robbery and fraud cases.

Prior to their deportation, the fugitives were cleared of charges of violence against women and children by the local courts.

“There are instances when we are unable to implement the deportation of foreign fugitives because of their pending cases in the Philippines,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said. “This has been a frustration for immigration authorities.”

Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ would look into ways of dealing with deportations being delayed by pending cases here.

“The DOJ support for the immediate resolution of the cases of the Japanese fugitives is really helpful,” Tansingco said.  “This action would also help us decongest the BI detention facility.”

The BI jail at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig can accommodate 140 people, but is currently housing more than 300 deportees.