THE Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested two foreign nationals suspected of involvement in child exploitation cases in separate operations conducted in Cavite and Tarlac.

Rendel Ryan Sy shared that on May 12, a Japanese national was apprehended by BI-FSU operatives in coordination with Japan’s National Police Agency and the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group during an operation in Cavite.

The suspect, identified as Yuto Konno, 43, is wanted by Japanese authorities for forcible sexual intercourse and forcible indecency with a child. Records showed that in 2018, he allegedly molested three minors inside a restroom facility in Hokkaido, Japan. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Nagoya Summary Court on August 16, 2024.

Authorities likewise seized several electronic devices allegedly containing child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.

Immigration records revealed that the suspect arrived in the Philippines in 2019 as a temporary visitor and has overstayed since April 2022. He was also found to have active blacklist and watchlist orders for undesirability and overstaying.

In a separate operation conducted on May 13 in Bamban, Tarlac, BI-FSU agents, in coordination with US authorities, PNP-Intelligence Group, and other law enforcement units, arrested 37-year-old American national Tony Le.

Le is reportedly wanted by US authorities for charges related to enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity, in violation of US federal laws involving child sexual exploitation materials. The arrest stemmed from information provided by the US government regarding his presence in Tarlac.

Verification by immigration authorities showed that Le had previously been excluded from entering the country in February 2024 due to derogatory records connected to possible child sex exploitation investigations. Authorities believe he may have illegally entered the Philippines.

Both fugitives are currently under the custody of the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the operatives involved in the successful operations and reiterated the bureau’s commitment to protecting children and preventing the Philippines from becoming a haven for 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. 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,” said Viado.