Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an American tourist for alleged assault and a Japanese man suspected of fraud in separate operations.
BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the American as Evan Ronald Berlin, who was arrested at his Makati City residence last 14 March. He issued the arrest order after a deportation complaint was filed against Berlin for being an “undesirable alien.”
The complaint stemmed from allegations that Berlin assaulted a man at a Parañaque City hotel 9 March where the victim lost consciousness and sustained injuries.
Initial reports said that the altercation occurred after the victim confronted Berlin about the alleged sexual assault of his wife.
“He will undergo deportation proceedings for overstaying and undesirability. Foreigners who violate our immigration laws and harm people do not deserve the privilege to stay in our country,” Viado said.
A Makati court issued a warrant for Berlin’s arrest 13 September on charges of physical injury and violation of the Safe Spaces Act.
Berlin arrived in the Philippines 5 March 2023, as a temporary visitor. His visa expired in July 2023.
In the separate operation, BI agents arrested Odaira Kai, a Japanese national suspected of being a member of the “Luffy” fraud syndicate, at his condominium in San Fernando City, Pampanga province last 15 March.
The arrest followed a request from the Japanese government, which reported Kai’s presence in the Philippines.
Japanese authorities allege Kai and accomplices stole ATM cards by impersonating law enforcement and deceiving an elderly victim into surrendering his bank cards.
More than 4 million yen was allegedly stolen through unauthorized withdrawals.
Both men are detained at the BI custodial facility in Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.