By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reported the arrest of two foreign nationals in separate operations in Iloilo and Laguna for overstaying and being undocumented aliens.
The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) identified the foreigners as Antonino Consoli, 40, who was apprehended at a restaurant he operates along Megaworld Boulevard in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City last Sept. 30, and Abhishek Kumar, 24, who was arrested in front of his residence in Santa Rosa City, Laguna on Oct. 1.
The arrest of the Italian, which was in coordination with the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy, stemmed from intelligence information received by the FSU, which included allegations that Consoli had physically abuse a Filipina, as well as operating a business without the required permits.
Upon verification, the BI records showed that Consoli last arrived in the Philippines in January 2023 as a temporary visitor.
He was later granted a probationary immigrant visa under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act, but this expired in August 2024 with no record of renewal. His passport also expired last Sept. 21, making him both an overstaying and an undocumented alien.
FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy emphasized the importance of the operation.
“The Bureau takes complaints seriously and will act against foreign nationals who violate our laws. Foreigners who abuse our hospitality and disregard immigration rules will face the consequences,” he said in a statement.
Consoli will be transferred to Manila for booking and documentation procedures before being turned over to the BI Warden Facility.
On the other hand, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said Kumar, was arrested in coordination with the Santa Rosa City Police Station following a mission order issued by the BI Commissioner.
Upon verification, the Indian national was found to have violated the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended for overstaying and for being an undocumented alien. He also failed to present a passport, claiming it was with his cousin in India.
The foreigner has been transferred to Manila for deportation proceedings. (PNA)
