After arresting the Japanese fraudster, the Department of Justice stated that the Philippines is not a haven for international criminals.

Manila—On January 2, 2025, the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines arrested Japanese citizen Yokota Tetsuya, stated Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla, emphasizing that the Philippines is not a sanctuary for international criminals.

Tetsuya was arrested in Manila's Binondo area for defrauding compatriots of over 2 million yen and was wanted internationally.

Remulla declared in a statement, "The Philippines is not a haven for international criminals. This is my final warning to those unwelcome foreigners trying their luck in our country; there is no place for you here."

The Fugitive Search Section of the Immigration Bureau arrested Tetsuya based on a standing order from the Omiya Court in Japan.

The Justice Department noted reports that Tetsuya and his accomplices had defrauded a Japanese compatriot of 2.75 million yen by making fraudulent phone calls to secure rights to enter a nursing home.

Remulla stated, "We are committed to strengthening border control this year, hence stricter measures are expected to be implemented at all national entry and exit points."

Joel Anthony Viado, the Director of the Immigration Bureau, stated in a declaration that Tetsuya would be deported and permanently banned from entering the Philippines.