Turkish national Ercan Mutlu (left) and Mongolian national Battulga Ganbold. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Immigration)
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it prevented two foreign fugitives from entering the country at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on New Year’s Day.
The interceptions were made through the bureau’s Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), which flagged the individuals before their arrival.
A 30-year-old Mongolian national was stopped after records showed he is wanted in South Korea for a drug-related offense.
Immigration authorities also barred a 37-year-old Turkish national who is facing charges in his home country involving sexual exploitation and prostitution.
The BI said alerts were generated while both passengers were still in flight, allowing authorities to prepare for their arrival.
The system is designed to identify high-risk travelers in advance and was provided with support from international partners.
BI officials said coordination with law enforcement units ensured the fugitives were intercepted immediately upon landing.