A wanted Japanese national has been intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday, November 17.
BI said the Japanese man was identified as Saito Shimoeda, 25, who was discovered having an arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court for being part of a large-scale telecom fraud group.
On November 16, Shimoeda attempted to flee the country via a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Nagoya, Japan.
According to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, Shimoeda used frightening tactics, purposefully banging his head on the immigration counter and acting distressed after discovering his alert list order during departure procedures.
BI's further investigation revealed that the suspect was said to be working as a fraudulent caller for a criminal group victimizing his compatriots while he was overseas.
In 2019, the suspect entered the Philippines and has since eluded arrest.
Shimoeda is now on BI's blacklist and is now classified as an undesirable alien. He will be staying at BI’s Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig, pending the implementation of his deportation.
“The incident serves as a stern warning to foreign fugitives that the Philippines is not a safe haven for those attempting to escape legal repercussions in their home countries,” the BI Chief said.
“We urge foreign nationals to respect Philippine laws and warn that the government is committed to cooperating with international authorities to ensure the swift and just resolution of such cases,” he added.
