Fugitive ex-Mongolian gov't official nabbed in Cebu

A former Mongolian government official facing corruption charges in Mongolia was recently arrested in the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday.

Tunjin Badamjunai, 67, Mongolia's former minister for food, agriculture, and light industry, was arrested in Cebu City on April 4, the BI said in a statement.

The suspect was arrested and later on deported in coordination with Mongolian Police, following the mission order issued by Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

"We were initially informed by Mongolian authorities that Badamjunai will be in Cebu City," Immigration Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. said.

The Mongolian official was reportedly charged for “deportation for undesirability as he is a fugitive from justice,” according to BI.

Due to this, he “poses clear and present danger, risk to public interest and safety, and threat to national security,” it added.

Badamjunai was deported on Tuesday night via a Korean Airlines flight from Mactan, Cebu upon the request of Mongolian authorities.

Manahan said the Mongolian government also canceled Badamjunai’s passport, rendering him undocumented.

"This is yet again a major arrest for our agents," Tansingco said.

"Rest assured that we will continue to hunt down these criminals and continue to strengthen our partnership with foreign counterparts to maintain public safety and security." —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News