American National Arrested in Naga City for Overstaying Visa

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a 34-year-old American national in Naga City for overstaying his visa, as authorities continue to intensify immigration enforcement under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreign national as Chayim Elchanan Werner, who was apprehended by BI intelligence operatives on June 17 in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City.

According to the BI, the arrest stemmed from intelligence information provided by personnel from Naga City Hall regarding Werner's presence in the city. A subsequent verification of his immigration records confirmed that he had remained in the Philippines beyond the period authorized under his visa, violating the conditions of his stay.

Following his arrest, Werner was taken into BI custody for processing and the initiation of appropriate immigration proceedings.

Commissioner Viado said the operation reflects the Bureau's commitment to enforcing Philippine immigration laws and ensuring that foreign nationals comply with the conditions of their stay.

"The privilege of staying in the Philippines carries the obligation to respect and comply with our immigration laws. We will continue to identify, arrest, and deport foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay and disregard our regulations," Viado said.

The Bureau said the American national is currently undergoing immigration proceedings and will remain under BI custody pending the resolution of his case.

The arrest is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and uphold the country's laws governing the entry and stay of foreign nationals.