'Overstaying' American arrested in General Santos City -- BI
An American, who was employed as a bus dispatcher in General Santos City in South Cotabato, has been arrested for alleged overstaying in the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
The BI identified the American as Vladislav Igorevich Black, 36, who is also known as "John Black."
“Verification confirmed that Black was indeed overstaying for more than 5 years, having been in the country since 2018,” the BI said.
It said it acted on a report that "Black was working as a bus driver in a provincial bus line in General Santos.”
It said the BI team coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in effecting the arrest.
“During interview, Black said he was unable to renew his visa having fallen into financial distress, hence he was constrained to work as a bus dispatcher,” the BI said.
It said that Black is now temporarily detained at the General Santos City Police Office while waiting for his transfer to the BI’s holding facility in Taguig City.