Two Japanese fugitives arrested in Metro Manila were deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday.

BI said Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, were deported via Japan Airlines flight bound for Tokyo on the morning of October 16.

"Their names have been included in the BI’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the country," the BI stated.

Aihara and Hoshino were arrested in separate operations conducted by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of BI in April and June.

Hoshino, who is reportedly a member of the notorious “Luffy” gang and is accused of stealing ATM cards and targeting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers was apprehended last April 22 in Las Pinas City after the Japanese government reported him as a wanted criminal.

According to the BI, Hoshino and his cohorts allegedly staged fake police investigations to deceive victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Aihara, "accused of conspiring with accomplices to rob and physically assault a victim three decades ago" was arrested in Pasay City on June 3 following information from Japanese authorities that he is wanted in Tokyo for robbery resulting in injury, in violation of the Japanese Penal Code.

"The group allegedly stole the victim’s wallet containing about 700,000 yen in cash. The assault caused multiple injuries requiring several weeks of medical treatment," the BI stated.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado lauded the FSU for its successful coordination with Japanese authorities, noting that the operation reflects the government’s resolve to uphold national security and the rule of law.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the President’s directive to rid the Philippines of foreign fugitives,” said Viado.

“The Bureau of Immigration continues to work closely with our international counterparts to ensure that the country does not become a refuge for criminals evading justice," he added. Robina Asido/DMS