BI nabs 2 foreign fugitives

The Bureau of Immigration yesterday announced the arrest of two foreign nationals wanted for separate crimes in their home countries, following operations conducted earlier this week in Metro Manila.

Choe Young Sam, a 45-year-old South Korean national, was apprehended in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday by the BI Fugitive Search Unit based on an arrest warrant issued by the Wonnju branch of the Chuncheon district court in South Korea.

Authorities have alleged that Choe embezzled over 4.6 billion won (US$3.4 million) while heading a financial team in Korea’s national health insurance program in 2004.

An Interpol red notice was also issued against Choe for the embezzlement charges, as well as aggravated economic crimes.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Choe will be deported and blacklisted after due process.

Meanwhile, Abundo Nual Johnson, a 35-year-old Liberian national, was arrested in Taguig City by the BI-FSU.

The PNP Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center accused Johnson of sexually assaulting a Filipino woman and extorting over P100,000 from her.

BI revealed Johnson is also an overstaying alien, with his student visa having expired in July 2023.

Johnson will face separate charges with the PNP-NCRPO for the assault and extortion.

Tansingco underscored BI’s commitment to apprehending fugitives and protecting public safety.

“Their presence here poses a serious risk to public safety,” he said, adding that both individuals will be placed on a blacklist to prevent re-entry.