An American was recently arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga following an alleged public altercation at a mall in which the foreigner displayed abusive, derogatory behavior towards Filipinos, the Bureau of Immigration said.
Patrick Ndukwuegbulam Obison, also known as Dr. Patrick Ndukwuegbulam Obison, 69, was arrested in Barangay Balibago City by virtue of a BI mission order dated September 24 issued against him.
The arrest stemmed from an alleged altercation at a mall where he allegedly acted in an abusive, racist, and derogatory manner towards Filipinos.
He allegedly harassed a Filipino and referred to a Filipina as an “animal,” prompting concerns over public order and respect for locals.
The foreigner is facing deportation proceedings on grounds of undesirability, based on allegations that he insulted or disparaged the Filipino people and engaged in publicly abusive, racist, and derogatory conduct allegedly prejudicial to public interest, safety, and order.
He is also facing immigration charges for allegedly causing a disturbance in a commercial establishment, disrupting public peace, and harassing local citizens.
In addition, the BI found that the suspect allegedly violated Republic Act 562 or the Alien Registration Act when he failed to notify the BI about a change in his registered address.
Following his arrest, Obison was turned over to the BI Warden’s Facility in Taguig City, where he will remain pending the resolution of his deportation proceedings.
“The Philippines welcomes foreign nationals who respect our people and our laws. But our hospitality must never be mistaken for permission to insult, harass, or demean Filipinos. Those who violate our immigration laws and disrupt public order will face appropriate action from the Bureau of Immigration, in accordance with law and due process,” BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
The BI also reminded foreigners to comply with Philippine immigration laws and keep their registration records accurate and updated, including promptly reporting any change of residence.