The Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended two South Korean nationals, both fugitives from justice, while they were attempting to extend their tourist visas at the agency’s head office in Manila on September 26.
According to Raymond Remigio, Chief of the BI’s Tourist Visa Section, South Korean nationals Lee Wonwoong, 33, and Huh Hwan, 60, were flagged during routine database checks conducted by Immigration Officer Philip Reyes.
Both individuals were found to have active derogatory records, discovered through the BI’s centralized database during their visa extension applications. They were immediately arrested by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) following the issuance of a mission order by BI Officer-in-Charge Joel Anthony Viado.
Lee reportedly faces charges in South Korea for operating illegal gambling establishments, while Huh is wanted for multiple fraud cases.
Viado praised the efforts of the officers involved in the operation. “This incident is a strong reminder that the Bureau is always alert and proactive in identifying foreign nationals who pose a threat to public safety,” said Viado.
Both Lee and Huh were brought to the BI’s facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings.
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