Manila: A Taiwanese national and former United States citizen was intercepted while on board a cruise ship during its voyage from Kaohsiung, Taiwan to the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday. In a statement, the BI said Tsai Chin Hao, 54, was arrested on Nov. 22 after authorities were alerted that he was on board the MV Star Navigator when the vessel entered Philippine territory.

According to Philippines News Agency, the foreigner was the subject of an Interpol alert backed by an outstanding warrant of arrest in the United States, marking him as a fugitive from justice. However, no information was given with regard to the charges he is facing. The alert was checked and verified by the BI Interpol Unit. A team of eight immigration officers deployed by the BI's bay service section to conduct the boarding and immigration formalities aboard the ship.

With support from the National Bureau of Investigation, the passenger was turned over by the boarding officers to the BI Fugitive Search Unit upon arrival at the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte. The BI will process the deportation of the subject in accordance with the verified Interpol alert and applicable immigration laws.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the swift and coordinated actions of the immigration officers involved. 'This operation reflects our firm commitment to secure our borders and uphold the President's directive. Our officers remain vigilant in ensuring that the Philippines does not become a refuge for fugitives,' he said.

The operation, he added, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify border security-both on land and at sea-to prevent fugitives and other threats to national safety from entering the country.