BUREAU of Immigration (BI) intelligence agents arrested an overstaying South African man in Albay last January 24.
In a report to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, operatives of the BI’s regional intelligence operations unit detailed the arrest of Benjamin Michael Theron along Sikatuna Street, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, Legazpi City, Albay in coordination with the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group-5 (PAF TOG-5), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-5 (NICA-5), Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL), and local police forces.
Theron was the subject of a mission order issued by 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 expiring 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.
Upon his arrest, Theron was brought to the BI’s office in Intramuros for booking procedures and is now held in the BI warden’s facility in Bicutan.
