The Bureau of Immigration has arrested six illegal aliens in separate operations in Mindanao.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the illegal aliens were arrested by the BI Mindanao Intelligence Task Group based in Davao City.
“The apprehension of these illegal aliens stemmed from complaints we received regarding their questionable activities. Hence, we encourage the public to report to us their presence for appropriate action,” Morente said.
He added that the arrested aliens are currently subjects of an investigation by BI prosecutors in Davao City.
Armed with mission orders issued by Morente, MITG operatives led by BI intelligence officer Melody Gonzales arrested on May 15 in General Santos City Indonesian Jimbirs da Lema and Supian Undingan. The duo, who are undocumented, were earlier arrested by the police for selling fake local cigarettes.
The next day, the BI agents proceeded to Tagum City, Davao del Sur and arrested Sri Lankan Warnakula Weerasuriya Jayathilaka, alias “Anton Rowel.” He was arrested based on a complaint alleging that he is an overstaying alien.
On the same day, MITG operatives also arrested in Tagum City South Korean Kim Yoonsig who is in the BI blacklist.
On May 17, American Branden Fitzgerald Dandridge fell into the hands of Immigration operatives for being an undocumented and overstaying alien. He was apprehended in a popular wakeboarding resort in Davao City.
BI agents arrested in Cagayan de Oro City on May 20 a certain Tony Co, also known as “Alex Ubalde,” an undocumented Chinese in engaged in gainful activity and who admitted to be overstaying in the country for eight years.
All six will stay at the BI detention facility in Davao City pending deportation proceedings. (Jun Ramirez)
