Intelligence operatives of the Bureau of Immigration have arrested 15 foreign fugitives wanted for various crimes in their homelands.
The bulk of those arrested were 12 foreigners involved in cyber fraud who were rounded up in Pasig City by the BI fugitive search unit and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Information obtained from the office of lawyer Jose Carlitos Licas, BI-FSU head, revealed that the cybercrime suspects were arrested during a raid in their condominium units at the Ortigas Center in Pasig City.
The operation was conducted after weeks of intensive surveillance on the activities of the aliens who were often spotted going in and out of their rented residential units.
The aliens were among 22 suspects wanted by their government for engaging in cyber fraud which has victimized many of their compatriots.
They are now detained at the Immigration jail in Bicutan, Taguig City pending their deportation.
BI-FSU operatives also arrested an enlisted American soldier who allegedly deserted his post by fleeing to the Philippines where he was born.
BI officials declined to divulge the name of the soldier who was declared absent without leave and will undergo court martial proceedings before the US military.
The US Embassy reportedly requested the BI not to disclose the identity of the Filipino-American servicemen who was nabbed in Batangas City.