BI Arrests Chinese Fugitive Suspected of Being a Drug Kingpin

BI Arrests Chinese Fugitive Suspected of Being a Drug Kingpin

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 19, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended a Chinese national in Taytay, Rizal, who was initially sought for kidnapping in his home country but is now suspected of being a major player in the Philippines’ illicit drug trade, potentially heading a methamphetamine (shabu) laboratory.

Shi Chunfang, 40, was taken into custody on December 14 following a tip-off regarding his presence in a residential area. According to official reports, Shi is wanted by the Public Security Bureau of Jinjiang City for kidnapping, with a warrant issued in 2024. Further complicating his legal status, the Chinese Embassy informed the BI that Shi’s passport had been canceled, rendering him an undocumented alien in the Philippines.

Prior to his arrest, Shi was already flagged by the BI, having been placed on a blacklist in January and a watchlist in July, both designating him as an “undesirable alien.” Also apprehended during the operation was Shuguang Fan, 37, who was already under a BI order to leave the country, issued in 2023, due to an unexplained and prolonged stay.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado vehemently refuted inaccurate reports circulating, claiming Shi had been released and subsequently re-arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Viado emphasized that Shi remains firmly in BI custody, a decision prompted by crucial intelligence linking him to methamphetamine production within the Philippines.

“This fugitive remains in BI custody after we received government intelligence reports that he is involved in the production of methamphetamine in the Philippines,” Viado stated. “We were informed that he is a kingpin in the illicit drug industry, heading a shabu laboratory while posing as an ordinary citizen.”

The Chinese Embassy had initially requested Shi’s expedited deportation, scheduled for December 16. However, upon receiving the intelligence regarding his alleged drug involvement, Viado immediately canceled the deportation order, opting instead for a deeper investigation and the potential filing of local charges.

“We cannot allow this person to just leave the country and not face his crimes here,” Viado asserted. “This is a clear attempt to escape liability, and we will not be complicit in that.”

Viado further revealed that he has coordinated with both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding the case. He also noted apparent attempts by individuals with ulterior motives to obfuscate the situation, especially considering Shi’s standing as an “influential community leader” in Rizal.

“The cancellation of the implementation of his deportation will ensure that he will not evade justice,” Viado reiterated. “We are now in close coordination with the Philippine National Police for the possible filing of criminal cases against Shi.”

Shi Chunfang has been returned to the BI’s detention facility in Muntinlupa City, where he will remain pending further investigation and potential prosecution. The BI’s swift action underscores the agency’s commitment to combating transnational crime and ensuring that individuals attempting to exploit the Philippines as a safe haven for illegal activities are brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring the full extent of Shi’s alleged drug operations and potential accomplices.