By Ferdinand Patinio

FUGITIVES. Two Japanese nationals wanted for fraud are arrested by the Bureau of Immigration during an operation in Lian, Batangas on April 8, 2026. Both are now at the BI Warden’s Facility while facing deportation proceedings. (Courtesy of BI)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of two Japanese nationals wanted for fraud during a recent operation in Lian, Batangas.

Agents of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit apprehended Takahashi Yuta, 45, and Sugita Yuki, 39, in Sitio Ilaya in Barangay Matabungkay, on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the BI, the arrests stemmed from a request made by Japanese authorities, who reported that both individuals are subjects of arrest warrants issued by the Omiya Summary Court in 2024 for fraud under Japan’s penal code.

The foreign nationals entered the Philippines on Jan. 4, 2024 as temporary visitors but have since overstayed, with their authorized stay lapsing in August and November that year.

The two have also been flagged in the BI’s system as undesirable aliens and fugitives from justice.

The operation was conducted in coordination with Japanese authorities, the Philippine National Police – Intelligence Group, and the Regional Intelligence Division of Calabarzon’s regional police.

Both will remain in the BI Warden’s Facility while facing deportation proceedings. (PNA)