BI chief orders detention of overstaying, penniless Briton

11/16/2007

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Marcelino Libanan has ordered the detention of an aging and penniless Briton whose presence in the country drew complaints from residents of a barrio in Pampanga on whom he depended for livelihood and support over the year.

Derek Whalley, 63, has been detained at the Bicutan immigration jail since Tuesday when he was turned over to the BI by the barrio captain of Barangay Duquit, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Libanan described the Briton as a public charge and a burden to Philippine society, thus he should be deported to his home country.

He said foreigners like Whalley should be expelled outright as he has no visible means of support, hence his presence here negates the well-being of the people in the community where he lives.

According to barrio captain Claro Garcia Jr., he decided to bring the Briton to the bureau due to mounting complaints from his constituents who detested the foreigner’s presence in their barangay as he had been depending on them for his food and lodging.

Garcia said he first brought Whalley to the British Embassy in Manila which advised him to turn over the alien to the BI for proper disposition.

BI technical assistant for intelligence Victor Boco said the Briton has no passport or any travel document whatsoever, hence he will be deported for being an undocumented and overstaying alien.

When interviewed, the Briton said he hails from Liverpool, England and that he arrived in the country in 1998.

He recounted he had invested his money with a group of foreigners in the lamppost business but his partners allegedly absconded with his money and left him in penury.

He said he had been staying in Angeles City and Mabalacat over the last five years.

Conrado Ching

Back to top

For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph
The Daily Tribune © 2006