BI ARRESTS KOREAN ‘BAE’ BEFORE V’DAY MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a South Korean fugitive attempting to extend his tourist visa at the agency’s head office in Intramuros. The arrest aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and ensure that foreign fugitives do not find safe haven in the Philippines. BI Tourist Visa Extension (TVS) Chief Raymond Remigio reported that Bae Naseok, 30 years old, was arrested by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on February 12 after authorities confirmed his derogatory records. Bae attempted to extend his visa when the BI’s records revealed that he is the the subject of a Watchlist Order and a Blacklist Order. He is considered by the BI as an undesirable alien and a threat to public safety, as he is wanted in South Korea for fraud-related offenses. A Seoul Interpol Notice confirmed his status as a fugitive, with a warrant of arrest issued against him in his home country. South Korean authorities alleged that Bae impersonated his victim’s child through a mobile messaging application. Subject instructed the victim to install a remote-controlled application on their mobile device thereby, compromising the victim's phone banking system. As a result, he was said to have illicitly transferred a total of KRW 15 million or approximately 10,430 USD from the victim’s bank account into his personal account. “This arrest demonstrates our firm commitment to upholding immigration laws and ensuring that the Philippines does not become a refuge for foreign fugitives,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “We will continue to work with international law enforcement agencies to identify and remove individuals attempting to evade justice.” After booking, Bae was transferred to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig where he shall remain until his deportation.