3 alien fugitives to face deportation for various crimes

MANILA, Philippines — Two Americans and a Korean wanted for various crimes in their respective homelands are set to be deported, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the three foreign fugitives were apprehended in separate operations in Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Manila.

Morente added that the three alien fugitives will be deported for being undocumented because their “passports were either expired or canceled by their respective governments.”

Immigration’s Fugitive and Search Unit (FSU) agents arrested American national Alvin Buguina Go-Tan, 49, in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on Nov. 29.

The United States Embassy said Tan has a standing arrest warrant issued by Washoe County, Nevada for allegedly raping a minor. He was also reportedly charged for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old teenager, BI said.

On Tuesday, BI agents apprehended American national Ephraim Hizon Garcia, 64,  in San Fernando, Pampanga for charges of “bribery, illegal gratuities and violating the U.S. Federal Anti-Kickback Act.”

The BI Board of Commissioners also issued a summary deportation order against Garcia. BI also included Garcia in its immigration blacklist.

On Wednesday, BI-FSU agents arrested Korean national Choi Beomki, 52, in Malate, Manila. Quoting Seoul authorities, BI said Choi is wanted for fraud.

According to the Korean Embassy, victims claimed that Choi defrauded them of more than 400 million won in real estate investments. Choi is also facing a red notice from Interpol, BI noted.

The three suspects are currently detained at the Immigration Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while pending deportation.

Edited by MUF