Four Japanese, including a fugitive allegedly part of the JP Dragon syndicate, were deported back to their country on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday.

Two of the deportees were identified as Oi Riho, 28, and Moriyama Yu, 31, who were found to be overstaying, undocumented and undesirable aliens with alleged involvement in telecommunication fraud, online gaming fraud, and a kidnapping-related scheme.

Also deported were Daisuke Ikeno, 51, and Hamai Daisuke, 53, who were declared undesirable aliens for being fugitives from justice with standing warrants in Japan for theft.

Based on the warrant of arrest issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court on March 23, 2025, for theft in violation of Article 248 of the Japanese Penal Code,

Ikeno who is allegedly part of the JP Dragon syndicate was apprehended along Quirino Highway in Barangay Santa Monica in Novaliches in August of previous year.

During the deportation, the four Japanese boarded a Japan Airlines flight to Narita, accompanied by personnel from the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA).

The Bureau noted that the deportation was carried out in accordance with Philippine immigration laws and established procedures, in coordination with Japanese authorities.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Bureau will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts and cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies to prevent the Philippines from becoming a refuge for foreign fugitives.

“We will continue to work closely with our international law enforcement counterparts to ensure that the Philippines will not become a haven for fugitives and foreign nationals who violate our laws,” he said. Robina Asido/PHS