The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that information from local government units (LGUs) regarding illegal aliens in their areas remain critical in locating and arresting violators.
The BI cited a recent operation of its regional intelligence operations unit (RIOU) 2 in Barangay Sta. Maria, Cab # 8, Ilagan City, Isabela last January 16.
The operation, in coordination with the Ilagan City police station, resulted in the arrest of South African Abdool Kamer Mahamed, 67, for overstaying and for being an undocumented alien.
Fortunato ‘Jun’ Manahan, Jr., chief of the BI’s Intelligence Division, highlighted the crucial role of information received from the barangay level. He emphasized that the investigation on Mr. Mahamed’s activities originated from barangay reports, which were crucial in confirming his illegal records and activities.
Mahamed was the subject of complaints in the barangay reportedly due to his unruly behavior in the community, Manahan said.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco lauded the arrest and encouraged other LGUs to report activities of foreign nationals in their areas of jurisdiction.
“We remain committed to fostering strong partnerships with local government units as community cooperation is instrumental in ensuring that we are able to locate and arrest illegal aliens,” he stated.
Mahamed will remain in the BI’s facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig pending deportation.
