Three Nigerians detained for ‘overstaying’

A raid by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over the weekend has led to the detention of three Nigerian nationals in Las Piñas City for allegedly violating Immigration laws. Immigration and police officials raided the Nigerians’ residence on Saturday after receiving a tip from the foreigners’ neighbors in Gatchalian Village, Las Piñas City, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Interpol officer Datu Atienza said in a report to Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. Subdivision residents have complained of the Nigerians' noisy and rowdy behavior even in the middle of the night, according to the report released Monday. Authorities first nabbed six Nigerians, namely, Edmond Chijoke, Victor Chijoke Edeh, Lazaus Echezona Nwagu, George Vlayeem, Michale Uchenha Acusih and, Yahaya Zinentah. Initial investigation showed that three of the foreigners — Chijoke, Edhe, and Acusih — were overstaying and were in possession of spurious documents. The rest of the Nigerians were freed after their Immigration papers supporting their stay in the Philippines turned out to be in order. For allegedly doing business and working in the Philippines without the required visas, officials later brought Chijoke, Edhe, and Acusih to the BI detention cell in Bicutan. “The suspects are now in detained in jail pending deportation proceedings," David said. Some Nigerians, among other foreign nationals, allegedly make up drug trafficking syndicates behind the recruitment of Filipinos as drug mules. Last week, authorities also arrested a Nigerian who allegedly recruited one of the Filipino drug mules executed in China last March, according to a report on News TV Live.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Beefing up Interpol unit Meanwhile, the BI said it has strengthened its Interpol unit under the Intelligence Division to beef up its capability to run after foreign fugitives in the Philippines. David said he has directed the Interpol unit to step up its manhunt operations for members of international organized crime syndicates. “We are serving notice to these foreign fugitives that the Philippines will continue its fight against fugitives who are wanted for drug trafficking, rape, and murder," David said. The newly appointed Interpol unit head, BI Executive Assistant Bernardo Cruzata III, is taking the place of lawyer Floro Balato Jr. as Immigration supervisor at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. David said he also assigned six more BI intelligence operatives to the Interpol unit to support its operations and personnel. — With Paterno Esmaquel II/VS, GMA News