BI arrests Italian, Indian nationals for overstaying

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two foreign nationals — an Italian and an Indian — in separate operations in Iloilo City and Laguna for overstaying and undocumented stay in the Philippines, it said on Wednesday.

In Iloilo City, BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), working with the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy, apprehended 40-year-old Italian national, who operates a restaurant in Mandurriao, on Sept. 30.

He was flagged after intelligence reports indicated he allegedly physically abused a Filipina and ran a business without proper permits.

BI records showed that he last entered the country in January 2023 as a temporary visitor and was later granted a probationary immigrant visa under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act. The visa expired in August 2024, while his passport lapsed on Sept. 21, making him both an overstaying and undocumented alien.

Meanwhile, in Laguna, a 24-year-old Indian national was arrested on Oct. 1 in front of his residence in Malitlit, Santa Rosa City.

The BI Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Santa Rosa City Police Station, carried out the arrest following a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.

Mr. Kumar, who was found overstaying, failed to present his passport. He claimed it was with his cousin in India.

Both were transferred to Manila for processing and deportation proceedings.

“We will not hesitate to implement the law against foreigners who overstay and disregard our immigration policies,” Mr. Viado said in a statement. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking