THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the arrest of two American nationals in separate operations conducted by its intelligence operatives in Pangasinan and Zambales for overstaying in the country for several years.
In their report to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, BI Intelligence Division operatives identified the suspects as Matt Nickolas Mathews, 70, who was arrested in Barangay Asin West, Malasiqui, Pangasinan, and Barry Allan Brumfield, 57, who was apprehended in Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales.
Mathews was arrested on October 7 by members of the BI Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 1 (RIOU-1), with the assistance of operatives from the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office and the Malasiqui Municipal Police Station.
The American national was found to have overstayed in the country since 2014 and admitted that he had not extended his visa since then.
During verification, Mathews reportedly became unruly and hurled expletives at the immigration operatives, disparaging the Bureau’s procedures and Philippine government institutions. He was immediately arrested for violating Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 for overstaying.
Meanwhile, on October 6, agents of the BI Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 3 (RIOU-3), in coordination with the the Philippine Navy and the Olongapo City Police, arrested Brumfield at his residence on Ohio Street, Kalaklan, Olongapo City.
Brumfield failed to present a valid passport or immigration document upon verification and was found to have violated the same provision of the Philippine Immigration Act for overstaying and for being undocumented.
Viado lauded the successful operations and reminded foreign nationals to respect and comply with Philippine laws during their stay.
“We welcome visitors and expatriates who come here for legitimate reasons,” Viado said. “However, those who overstay or disregard the limits of their stay must understand that the Philippines upholds its immigration laws strictly. Respect for our laws is the same respect we extend to every guest in our country.”
The BI Chief added that the BI will continue to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
“Our goal is not only to apprehend violators but to preserve the integrity of our borders,” Viado emphasized. “Foreigners who abuse our hospitality or disrespect our institutions will face the consequences under the law.”
Both Mathews and Brumfield are undergoing deportation proceedings and will be included in the BI’s blacklist to prevent their re-entry into the country
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