LEGAZPI CITY – Immigration authorities in Albay province have apprehended an overstaying South African national, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and maintain public order.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Norman Tansingco announced that operatives from the regional intelligence operations unit conducted the arrest of Benjamin Michael Theron on January 24. The operation took place along Sikatuna Street, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, in Legazpi City. Theron's apprehension was based on a mission order issued by the BI chief, following a complaint from Theron's former partner about disturbances he was allegedly causing in the community.
Investigations into Theron's immigration status revealed that he has been residing in the country since 2018 but became an overstayer after his visa expired in 2021. During the operation, another foreign national, claiming to be Theron's employer, tried to intervene but complied with authorities upon presentation of the mission order.
Fortunato Manahan Jr., the BI intelligence division chief, emphasized that anyone found concealing, harboring, employing, or providing assistance to overstaying foreign nationals could face sanctions under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which strictly prohibits the harboring of illegal aliens.
Following his arrest, Theron was transported to the BI's office in Intramuros, Manila, for booking procedures. He is currently detained at the agency's warden facility in Bicutan, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The arrest underscores the BI's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that foreign nationals within the country adhere to the legal requirements of their stay.