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Chinese Fugitive Caught While Trying To Extend Visa - BI's Quick Action Stops Escape Plan
Photo courtesy of PTV
Looks like the Bureau of Immigration (BI) just scored another win in keeping foreign fugitives out of the country. A 44-year-old Chinese national, Lin Guangxiu, was nabbed right at the BI head office in Intramuros on February 11, just as he was trying to extend his tourist visa. What he didn’t know? He was already on Interpol’s radar for drug-related offenses.
Caught in the Act
According to authorities, Lin had been wanted for prosecution under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165). Back in 2019, he and an accomplice were found in possession of a massive stash—around 270,000 grams of shabu packed into 138 tape-sealed bags. With that much illegal drugs involved, it’s no surprise he was a marked man.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made it clear: the Philippines will not be a safe haven for criminals. “This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping the country safe from foreign fugitives,” he said.
Sharp-Eyed BI Officers Didn’t Miss a Thing
Lin’s plan fell apart thanks to the alertness of BI personnel handling visa extensions. During the routine process, they noticed some red flags in his records and immediately reported it to Tourist Visa Section Chief Raymond Remigio. The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) then swooped in, leading to Lin’s arrest on the spot.
“This case proves the effectiveness of our screening procedures,” Remigio said, emphasizing the BI’s dedication to preventing foreign criminals from slipping through the cracks.
What’s Next for Lin?
For now, Lin is locked up at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, waiting for deportation proceedings. His arrest follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to tighten border security and make sure fugitives like him don’t get a free pass in the Philippines.
BI Chief Viado also sent a clear warning to other foreign nationals thinking they can outsmart the system: “We will continue working with international law enforcement agencies to track down fugitives and deport them without delay.”
Bottom line? If you’ve got a criminal record and think the Philippines is a good place to hide, think again.
Caught in the Act
According to authorities, Lin had been wanted for prosecution under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165). Back in 2019, he and an accomplice were found in possession of a massive stash—around 270,000 grams of shabu packed into 138 tape-sealed bags. With that much illegal drugs involved, it’s no surprise he was a marked man.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made it clear: the Philippines will not be a safe haven for criminals. “This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping the country safe from foreign fugitives,” he said.
Sharp-Eyed BI Officers Didn’t Miss a Thing
Lin’s plan fell apart thanks to the alertness of BI personnel handling visa extensions. During the routine process, they noticed some red flags in his records and immediately reported it to Tourist Visa Section Chief Raymond Remigio. The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) then swooped in, leading to Lin’s arrest on the spot.
“This case proves the effectiveness of our screening procedures,” Remigio said, emphasizing the BI’s dedication to preventing foreign criminals from slipping through the cracks.
What’s Next for Lin?
For now, Lin is locked up at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, waiting for deportation proceedings. His arrest follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to tighten border security and make sure fugitives like him don’t get a free pass in the Philippines.
BI Chief Viado also sent a clear warning to other foreign nationals thinking they can outsmart the system: “We will continue working with international law enforcement agencies to track down fugitives and deport them without delay.”
Bottom line? If you’ve got a criminal record and think the Philippines is a good place to hide, think again.
Feb 12, 2025
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