Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Thursday an American fugitive wanted in his homeland for violations of his probation.
American national Richard Edward Vukelic, 57, was arrested in Davao City in a joint operation between the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) and BI Mindanao Task Group (MITG).
According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, he immediately issued a Mission Order for the American’s arrest upon learning of his crimes.
The BI earlier received official communication from US authorities stating that Vukelic is wanted in the US for violating his probation. He faces cases for driving under the influence and illegal discharge of firearms in violation of US Penal Law in the State of Arizona.
Documents obtained from BI MITG Head Melody Gonzales and BI FSU Chief Bobby Raquepo reveal that Vukelic was the subject of a week-long surveillance by the BI, in coordination with National Bureau of Investigation Region 11.
“When we confirmed that it was indeed him, we immediately implemented his arrest,” said Gonzales.
Vukelic is temporarily detained at the BI’s detention facility in Davao pending his deportation.
Also read: American stranded in NAIA arrested for exposing self, unruly behavior
Over 1,000 caught violating the curfew in Manila, 200 minors – police
On the first night of the curfew in Manila, more than 1,000 police officers were caught violating, including about 200 minors, according to the Manila Police District (MPD) on Tuesday.
It will be recalled that the mayors of Metro Manila again imposed curfew hours from 10 pm to 5 am from Monday to the end of March. This is due to the continuous increase of COVID-19 cases in the region.
In an interview with MPD Director Police Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, 1,139 were arrested by authorities for violating curfew hours, of which 213 were minors.
The children’s parents were called and investigated if there was any negligence to sue the parents.
“Dito kasi sa Manila dati iba ‘yong oras. Pero we have a city ordinance na curfew. ‘Yun ang nire-review namin kung sino ‘yung mga naunang nag-violate. ‘Pag na-review namin ‘yun pwede pa rin namin silang kasuhan kasi sila ay na-release na,” said Francisco.