MANILA, Phillippines–The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has already started the deportation proceedings against a Japanese national wanted in his country for car theft.
Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. identified the fugitive as 34-year-old Hideto Ozawa. Ozawa is currently detained at the BI detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City.
BI Intelligence Chief Ma. Antonette Bucasas-Mangrobang said Ozawa was arrested last Aug. 3 after he turned himself in to the Japanese embassy in Pasay City and expressed his intention to be deported to Japan.
Mangrobang said Ozawa is already an undocumented alien after his passport expired on Aug. 3 last year.
Tokyo Interpol officials alleged that Ozawa, along with several other suspects stole more than 10 cars from various parking lots in Wakayama prefecture between October and November of 2005.
“They allegedly hid the stolen cars inside a warehouse in Aridagawa town, Arida district, Wakayama which was raided by Japanese authorities,” Mangrobang said, citing information received from Japanese embassy.
Records showed that Ozawa fled japan to Manila on March 11, 2006 after learning of his impending arrest.
A warrant for his arrest was issued on March 24 this year by the Yuasa summary court in Wakayama where he is facing a case for larceny.
David said Ozawa will be deported as soon as the BI board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation.
He will also be blacklisted and banned from re-entering the Philippines, the BI chief added.