The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an American national for overstaying in Naga City on 17 June.

The 34-year-old American national—identified as Chayim Elchanan Werner—was appehended by BI intelligence operatives after receiving intelligence information from Naga City Hall personnel regarding his presence in the city.

Verification of his immigration records confirmed that he had remained in the Philippines beyond the period authorized under his visa, in violation of the conditions of his stay.

Werner was arrested in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City and was subsequently taken into BI custody for processing and the institution of appropriate immigration proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that foreign nationals are expected to comply with Philippine immigration laws throughout their stay in the country.

"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 foreign national is now undergoing immigration proceedings and will remain under BI custody pending the resolution of his case.