Immigration officers arrested a 53-year-old American national wanted for assault charges in the United States after finding him overstaying in the Philippines, authorities announced Thursday.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested James Charles Davis on the evening of 5 August at a condominium along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City.

The operation was conducted by the BI Fugitive Search Unit alongside US authorities, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Davao City police, and intelligence units.

The arrest followed a formal request from the US government seeking assistance in locating Davis, who faces an outstanding arrest warrant from a Massachusetts trial court.

Davis is wanted in Massachusetts on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault, according to immigration officials.

Travel records indicate Davis arrived in the Philippines as a tourist last 4 March. He failed to extend or convert his visa, rendering him an undocumented overstaying alien, agency officials reported.

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reaffirmed that the country will not serve as a refuge for foreign fugitives escaping justice.

Viado stressed that when foreign law enforcement partners provide credible leads, the agency will act decisively to enforce immigration laws.

Davis was temporarily held at Police Station 18 of the Davao City Police Office pending his transfer to a detention facility in Manila for deportation proceedings.