In a significant crackdown on international fugitives, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended a 44-year-old Chinese national, Lin Guangxiu, who was attempting to extend his tourist visa. The arrest took place at the BI’s main office in Manila on February 11, 2025. Lin, who is wanted by Interpol for drug-related crimes, was caught after BI personnel noticed discrepancies in his records during the visa extension process. He is accused of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, having been found with over 270 kg of shabu in 2019. Lin is currently detained at the BI facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, awaiting deportation proceedings.
In addition to Lin’s arrest, BI operatives also detained an Iranian, Amirhossein Moghaddasi, and an American, James Brian Dunlap, in separate operations. Moghaddasi, aged 52, was arrested on February 6 at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex for working at a company other than his visa sponsor. Dunlap, 68, was apprehended on February 10 in Isabela for overstaying his visa by nearly 25 months. Both individuals are facing deportation and are being held in BI custody until their removal from the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining secure borders and ensuring that the Philippines does not become a sanctuary for criminals. He stated, ‘The Philippines will not be a refuge for criminals. We will continue to ensure that our borders remain secure and that those attempting to evade justice are apprehended.’