BI: 2 foreign fugitives arrested in Olongapo, Cagayan de Oro

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) nabbed two foreign fugitives in separate arrests in Olongapo and Cagayan de Oro City. 

According to the BI, Japanese fugitive Yoshihiko Kubura, 59, was apprehended in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, on October 15 following a formal request from the Japanese government. 

The suspect, who was also known as Yoshihiko Tashiro, was wanted in his country for injury under the Japanese Penal Code after reportedly assaulting a man in a karaoke bar in Kyoto in 2013, leaving the victim with facial fractures.

Verification with the BI database showed that Kubura last arrived in the Philippines in February 2012 as a temporary visitor and has overstayed since April 2014. He was also listed on the BI watchlist and blacklist order for being a fugitive.

Likewise, BI operatives apprehended Nigerian fugitive John Emmanuel Obasi in a resort in Olongapo on October 15. 

Nigerian authorities said Obasi, 33, was an alleged member of a criminal syndicate operating in their country. They were involved in a public shooting and hit-and-run incident resulting in death and serious injuries. 

Upon questioning, Obasi failed to present a valid passport or immigration documents to authorities. Both fugitives are currently under BI custody and detained at the immigration detention facility in Taguig City while waiting deportation. 

“We are tightening our coordination with local and foreign law enforcement agencies to ensure that those evading justice abroad will be caught and removed from our borders,” said BI Commissioner Viado in a press statement. 

“Our operations will continue without pause. The Philippines will not be a safe haven for fugitives,” Viado added. —VBL, GMA Integrated News