BI Apprehends Overstaying U.S. National in Laguna

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s borders and ensure the strict implementation of Philippine immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested an overstaying United States national in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The operation stemmed from intelligence information received by the Bureau regarding the presence of an overstaying foreign national in the area. Acting on the report, BI Intelligence Division personnel implemented a mission order issued by immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado with assistance of operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The subject, identified only as “Kristy,” a 27-year-old female U.S. citizen, was apprehended early morning of July 30 in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Investigation revealed that the foreign national failed to apply for an extension of her authorized stay.

Bureau records show that her last approved extension was valid only until January this year, with no subsequent record of payment or application for extension thereafter.

She was arrested for violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, which provides for the deportation of aliens who remain in the country beyond their authorized period of stay.

The BI will file the appropriate deportation charges against the respondent before its BI main office in Manila.

Pending the resolution of her case, she will be transferred to the Bureau’s Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, where she will remain under custody.

Viado reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to enforcing Philippine immigration laws and reminded foreign nationals to comply with the conditions of their stay.

“We will continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations against foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws. We urge all foreign visitors to observe and respect Philippine laws to avoid facing arrest, detention, and deportation,” Viado said.