BI wants law revision to stop foreign fugitives' deportation delay tactics

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is appealing to lawmakers to revise current legislation to close legal loopholes that allow foreign fugitives to avoid deportation.

BI Commissioner Atty. Joel Viado made the appeal following the recent rearrest of South Korean fugitive Na Ikhyeon in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Viado revealed that some lawyers exploit the system by filing cases against their own fugitive clients and claiming they must remain in the Philippines due to ongoing legal proceedings.

He warned that if this issue is not resolved, fugitives will continue to use this strategy to evade deportation or capture.

Viado further stressed that many of these fugitives are wealthy and well-connected, capable of hiring legal experts who can exploit loopholes in the country's immigration laws.