By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a 27-year-old American woman in Cabuyao, Laguna for allegedly overstaying in the Philippines and initiated deportation proceedings against her for violating the country’s immigration laws.
The BI identified the foreign national only by her first name, “Kristy,” and said she was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation conducted early Thursday after authorities received information about her presence in the area.
Immigration records showed that the American’s authorized stay had already lapsed after she failed to secure an extension of her visa. According to the BI, her last approved extension expired in January this year, with no succeeding application or payment recorded in the agency’s database.
The agency said the woman will face deportation proceedings for violating provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Pending the resolution of her case, she is expected to remain under the custody of immigration authorities in accordance with existing procedures governing foreign nationals found to be illegally staying in the country.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest underscores the agency’s continuing campaign against foreigners who disregard Philippine immigration regulations.
“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.
The Bureau of Immigration reiterated that foreign nationals are responsible for ensuring that their visas and permits remain valid throughout their stay in the country, warning that failure to comply with immigration requirements may result in arrest, detention and eventual deportation.
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