BI Arrests Japanese, American Fugitives

BI Arrests Japanese, American Fugitives

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 26, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) has apprehended two international fugitives wanted for heinous child exploitation offenses.

The arrests in Cavite and Tarlac underscore a commitment to safeguarding children and preventing the Philippines from becoming a haven for such perpetrators.

On May 12, a coordinated operation between BI-FSU operatives, Japan’s National Police Agency, and the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group led to the capture of Japanese national Yuto Konno, 43, in Cavite.

Konno is wanted in Japan, facing charges of forcible sexual intercourse and indecency involving minors. Records indicate that in 2018, he allegedly molested three children in a Hokkaido restroom.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Nagoya Summary Court on August 16, 2024, for these crimes.

During the apprehension, authorities seized multiple electronic devices suspected of containing child sexual abuse materials. Immigration records reveal Konno entered the Philippines in 2019 as a temporary visitor and has been illegally overstaying since April 2022.

He also had active blacklist and watchlist orders due to his immigration violations.

The following day, May 13, BI-FSU agents, working with U.S. authorities, the PNP-Intelligence Group, and other law enforcement units, arrested 37-year-old American national Tony Le in Bamban, Tarlac.

Le is sought by U.S. authorities on charges related to enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity, violating U.S. federal laws on child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed intelligence shared by the U.S. government regarding his presence in Tarlac.

Immigration verification showed Le had been previously denied entry into the Philippines in February 2024 due to derogatory records linked to potential child sex exploitation investigations. Authorities suspect he may have entered the country illegally after his prior exclusion.

Both fugitives are currently held at the BI Warden Facility, awaiting deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado lauded the successful operations, reaffirming the bureau’s dedication to protecting children and ensuring the Philippines remains inhospitable to foreign fugitives.

“The Bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to assist international law enforcement agencies in tracking down foreign nationals involved in crimes against children,” stated Viado. “As part of the BI’s #Shieldkids campaign, we will not allow the Philippines to be used as a refuge by predators and fugitives seeking to evade justice.”