A “fugitive” Nepalese national was arrested last Dec. 31 in Malolos City in Bulacan by agents of the Fugitive Search Unit of the Bureau of Immigration (BI-FSU).
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado identified the arrested foreigner as Prakash Pathak, 33.
“Under President Marcos’ clear instructions, we will not allow foreign fugitives or extremists to exploit our immigration system,” Viado said.
He warned that those who enter the country and pose a threat to public safety or international security will be located, arrested, and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The BI said that Pathak was arrested in coordination with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) which informed the BI that a warrant of arrest against the suspect was issued by the Kathmandu District Court on Dec. 1, 2025 for Criminal Breach of Trust.
It said that based on information, Pathak encouraged escaped prisoners to resist surrender, offered financial support, and referenced access to weapons.
At the same time, the BI said it was informed that “Pathak was linked to a conspiracy to assassinate a high-ranking foreign government official.”
It said that Pathak arrived in the Philippines on Aug. 18, 2025 and was authorized to stay only up to Dec. 18, 2025.
Pathak is now in the custody of the BI while undergoing deportation proceedings.