MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has recorded a nearly fourfold increase in the arrest of foreign fugitives in the first half of 2025.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the rise in arrests reflects the bureau’s strengthened campaign to crack down on foreign criminals hiding in the country.

“The Philippines will not be a hiding place for fugitives. We are determined to flush them out and send them back to face justice,” Viado said.

A report from BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy showed that 268 foreign fugitives were apprehended from January to June 2025, compared to just 69 arrests during the same period in 2024.

Among those arrested was Korean national Lee Jihwan, who was caught on January 8 in Talisay City, Cebu. Authorities said Lee was wanted in South Korea for a violent robbery, where he and an accomplice allegedly attacked a victim with a hand axe and forced a KRW 10 million bank transfer.

Another Korean, Chu Hoyong, was apprehended on February 13 for allegedly defrauding victims of KRW 2.26 billion using fake real estate as collateral. He is considered a high-value target by South Korean authorities and is believed to be connected to telecom fraud operations in the Philippines.

Between January and April, four Japanese nationals believed to be part of the “Luffy” crime syndicate were arrested for theft. The group allegedly posed as police officers to enter homes and conduct robberies.

On May 21, seven more Japanese nationals linked to the “JP Dragon” syndicate were nabbed for similar offenses. Authorities said the group targeted elderly victims by impersonating authorities and stealing ATM cards and banking details. Ryuji Yoshioka, the syndicate’s alleged leader, was arrested on June 4 in Angeles City, Pampanga.

All individuals arrested are undergoing deportation proceedings for being undesirable aliens.

“Our continued cooperation with foreign governments and international law enforcement agencies will ensure that the Philippines remains a secure nation from these fugitives,” said Viado. “These efforts are part of the Bagong Immigration tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas framework. We remain strong, strategic, and steadfast in upholding the law.”