Wanted Japanese thief apprehended

Wanted Japanese thief apprehended | Daily Tribune

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a Japanese national wanted in Tokyo for theft over the weekend in Pampanga.

BI commissioner Atty. Joel Viado identified the fugitive as Tsukita Yuhei, who was arrested last Monday in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga. Viado said Yuhei was apprehended by BI-FSU officers based on a mission order he issued due to a request from the Japanese government.

“His name will be added to our blacklist, which would prevent him from reentering the country, and we are deporting him for being an undesirable alien,” the BI chief said.

BI-FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy revealed that a Tokyo summary court issued an arrest order against Yuhei on 27 October 2022, after he was accused of stealing in violation of Article 235 of the Japanese Penal Code.

Japanese authorities alleged that Yuhei and an accomplice stole more than eight ATM cards by posing as law enforcement officers and tricking victims into surrendering them under the guise of a police inquiry. Through illegal withdrawals from these stolen cards, the suspects allegedly stole more than 724,000 yen (over $4,600).

Yuhei’s travel history revealed he had overstayed in the Philippines since 16 March 2019.

After his arrest, Yuhei was detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while awaiting deportation proceedings.

In other developments, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) expressed its gratitude to the Department of Health (DoH) Region XII for donating a brand-new ambulance to General Santos International Airport.

The turnover ceremony took place on 17 January 2025, at the CAAP Administration Building in General Santos City. The fully equipped ambulance will enhance the airport’s emergency medical capabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and workers.

General Santos International Airport manager Joel Gavina acknowledged the efforts of Congressman Steve Solon of Sarangani Province and thanked everyone who contributed to this initiative.

“With the steadfast assistance of Congressman Steve Solon, we sincerely thank DoH Region XII for this priceless service. This ambulance is more than just a car; it symbolizes a strong dedication to public health and safety,” Gavina said.

CAAP stressed the importance of health and safety and recognized the crucial cooperation between government leaders and agencies that made this project a reality.