Taguig City, Philippines – Kudo Tomoya, a 31-year-old Japanese national, was arrested on November 15 at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) office in SM Aura Mall, Taguig, while attempting to extend his tourist visa. According to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, Kudo had arrived in the Philippines on October 15 and sought an extension for his stay.
However, Kudo’s plans to remain in the country were thwarted after immigration officers discovered he was listed on the BI watchlist following a request from Japanese authorities.
A Wanted Man
Kudo’s arrest stems from serious criminal charges in Japan. On November 8, Japanese authorities informed the Bureau of Immigration about a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in August. Kudo is facing charges of breaking and entering, theft, and fraud under the Japanese Penal Code.
The allegations claim that Kudo broke into his former office in Japan, stealing a bankbook and other items valued at approximately 2,000 Japanese yen. He then allegedly used the stolen bankbook to fraudulently withdraw 876,000 yen from a bank, posing as an employee of his former workplace.
Arrest and Deportation
Upon verification through the Bureau of Immigration’s centralized system, it was confirmed that Kudo was listed as an undesirable alien in the Philippines. The BI took immediate action and detained him at the BI facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa, where he is now awaiting deportation to Tokyo.
“His arrest and the subsequent detention serve as a reminder that the Bureau of Immigration is vigilant in monitoring individuals with pending warrants of arrest from their home countries,” said Commissioner Viado. “We are working closely with Japanese authorities to ensure that justice is served.”
Next Steps
Kudo is set to face deportation proceedings, which will transfer him back to Japan to answer to the charges against him. The Bureau of Immigration continues to collaborate with international law enforcement to track down wanted fugitives attempting to evade justice by entering the country.
