• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An American fugitive wanted by authorities in the United States (US) is facing immigration proceedings after he was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Negros Oriental on Aug. 11.
The BI Fugitive Search Unit, in coordination with US law enforcement agents, the Philippine National Police, and local police and maritime authorities, apprehended 45-year-old Jason Michael Hill at Purok St. John in Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City.
Hill is wanted for an alleged parole violation linked to a dangerous drugs case. Authorities said an outstanding warrant for his arrest was issued by the Sacramento County Superior Court in California.
Aside from the US warrant, BI records showed that Hill had overstayed his temporary visitor status after entering the Philippines in March 2023.
He was also the subject of derogatory records with the immigration bureau for allegedly being an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest demonstrates the government’s continuing efforts to prevent the Philippines from becoming a refuge for fugitives fleeing foreign authorities.
“Let this be a clear message to fugitives – the Philippines is not a safe haven for those escaping justice,” Viado said, warning that the BI will continue working with foreign law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend wanted individuals in the country.
The arrest is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and ensure that the Philippines does not become a safe haven for fugitives seeking to evade justice abroad. | GPB
