The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said it will initiate deportation proceedings against a 64-year-old Irish national who went viral after he was caught on video attacking a government-contracted tow truck and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel during a towing operation.

Michael Patrick Oreilly, 64, was arrested by BI intelligence operatives on 13 July at Camp Caringal in Quezon City after authorities found him in violation of the conditions of his stay in the Philippines and declared him an undesirable foreign national.

Following his arrest, Oreilly underwent booking procedures before being transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa City, where he remains under the bureau's custody pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said foreign nationals staying in the Philippines are expected to comply with the country's laws and conduct themselves responsibly.

"The privilege of staying in the Philippines comes with the responsibility of respecting our laws and our people. Foreign nationals who engage in violent, abusive, or disruptive behavior should not expect to remain in the country. We will not allow undesirable aliens to undermine public order or disregard the rule of law," Viado said.