A composite team headed by Immigration (BI) agents has arrested an overstaying South African in Albay.
Arrested was identified as Benjamin Michael Theron, who was cornered along Sikatuna Street, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, Legazpi City, Albay in coordination with the Philip ine Air Force Tactical Operations Group-5 (PAF TOG-5), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-5 (NICA-5), and the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL), and local police forces.
Theron was the subject of a mission order issued by Immigration chief Norman Tansingco after receiving a complaint from Theron’s former partner, saying that he was causing disturbance in the community.
Upon verification of Theron’s records, it was found out that he was already overstaying, having been in the country since 2018, with his visa expired three years ago.
Another foreign national who presented himself as Theron’s employer, attempted to interfere with the operations, but eventually yielded seeing the mission order against Theron.
BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. explained that any individual who conceal, harbor, employ, or give comfort to overstaying foreign nationals may face sanctions for violation of the Philippine immigration act of 1940, which prohibits harboring of illegal aliens.
Following his arrest, Theron was taken to the BI’s office in Intramuros for booking procedures and is now held in the BI warden’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
