The Bureau of Immigration has intercepted two foreign fugitives trying to enter the Philippines using its Advanced Passenger Information System. A Mongolian drug suspect and a Turkish national wanted for sexual exploitation were stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This occurred on January 1, 2026, according to agency statements.
In a statement on January 2, 2026, the Bureau of Immigration announced that two passengers were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 before they could enter the country. The first was Battulga Ganbold, a 30-year-old Mongolian national arriving from Vietnam. Immigration records indicate he has an outstanding arrest warrant in South Korea for a drug-related offense.
The second individual was Ercan Mutlu, a 37-year-old Turkish national arriving from Japan. The Bureau of Immigration stated that Mutlu is a fugitive sought in Türkiye for sexual exploitation and prostitution.
"The system generated advance alerts while the two passengers were still airborne," said Melvin Mabulac, deputy spokesperson and APIS Operations Center chief. The APIS Operations Center promptly coordinated with the BI Interpol Unit to verify the international warrants before relaying the information to immigration officers at NAIA Terminal 1, enabling the interception upon arrival.
Mabulac added that the APIS allows authorities to identify high-risk passengers even before they land in the Philippines. The system provides advanced intelligence and enhances coordination among law enforcement agencies. It was donated by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism with support from the Australian government.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of enhanced border patrol measures in preventing wanted criminals from entering the country.
