The Philippines is not a haven for foreign fugitives, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla declared on Monday, May 20.
Remulla's declaration was issued following the arrest of Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian who is a suspected to be a member of the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico.
“The apprehension of this high-profile fugitive sends a clear message: those who violate our laws and threaten public safety will be brought to justice,” he said.
Remulla lauded immigration officers for their “hard work and dedication in ensuring Haas’ recent apprehension and his deportation, the soonest.”
"Haas' arrest is a direct result of our law enforcement's dedication to securing our borders and safeguarding our communities," he also said.
Haas was arrested last May 15 in Cebu City based on a red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on a criminal case filed against him in Indonesia.
He was allegedly involved in attempting to smuggle illegal drugs that were hidden in floor ceramic from Guadalajara, Mexico into Indonesia.
He is now detained at the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) facility in Taguig City pending his deportation.