San Remigio locals want ‘undesirable alien’ out

CEBU, Philippines — Some residents of Barangay Punta, San Remigio town in Cebu have questioned why an “undesirable alien” who was earlier arrested is back to their community.

One of the complainants, Monalisa Jarque, told the Bureau of Immigration that just when they thought the bureau has enforced its duty for the protection of fellow Filipinos by apprehending Sunny Miller, an American tourist, was earlier arrested for summary deportation on May 26, 2022. He was charged with three grave acts which provide no bail and was released less than a month. Now, he is back at the same barangay.

Jarque, in her letter, prayed that Miller’s bail be revoked, that a mission order be immediately granted to apprehend him once again and send him back to BI office in Bicutan, and that his deportation be processed immediately, so that peace and order will be restored in the community.

A Bureau of Immigration-Cebu officer, who requested not to be named but privy to the case, said that Miller was ordered released by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente after the latter posted a P50,000 bail.

“Due to health reasons,” said the officer when asked why he was allowed to post bail.

The officer, however, added that Miller was ordered to report to their office in BI in Bicutan every first Monday and Wednesday of the month.

“As far as I know, ni file og motion ang iyang lawyer nga anhi lang siya pa reporton sa BI-Cebu. As of now, we received no order from the commissioner nga ari siya sa Cebu mo report,” the officer said.

Another complainant, Michelle del Gallego-Ngo, wrote a letter to BI stating that Miller's apprehension was much celebrated by the residents who long suffered under his fear-mongering.

She questioned why the bail was granted and Miller ordered released on the premise that the charges are serious since they involve acts against the community, especially the fisherfolks.

“What happened to the protection of the public at the very least, discounting the plight of the Filipinos who have suffered at the hands of this foreigner? He has no reason to be released roaming around our country given his undesirability, his overstaying and his blatant disregard of the limits of his tourist visa where he decided to work and/or operate his so-called corporation,” said Ngo.

Ngo added that there is a need to immediately resolve the deportation proceedings against Miller.

Complainants Alfredo Arcipe and Francisco Arcipe have also filed a petition for deportation against Miller on August 17, 2021 saying that “his continued presence here in the Philippines could affect not only the residents of Punta, San Remigio, Cebu but also wherever in the country he may stay. Thus, the present petition to remove him from the Philippines in order to prevent any more damage to Filipinos”.

In a previous press statement, Commissioner Morente ordered the BI-Cebu agents the arrest of Miller, an overstaying American who was the subject of numerous complaints from residents in his neighborhood for allegedly being an undesirable alien.

Morente said he issued a mission order for Miller’s arrest after the BI received a complaint from barangay officials who accused him of causing trouble, and committing acts that disturbed the peace and threaten the lives of residents in the community.

“The complainants also alleged that he has been engaging in gainful business activities without the appropriate permit and visa in blatant violation of our immigration laws,” Morente added.

The BI Chief said Miller will be slapped with a deportation case by immigration prosecutors prior to the issuance of an order for his deportation by the BI board of commissioners.

According to BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., Miller’s stay in the country already lapsed, making him an overstaying alien who may be subjected to summary deportation.

Manahan said the complainants accused Miller of resorting to harassment and intimidation, and that he allegedly occupied a land in the coastal area of the barrio which deprived fisherfolk from using the property to engage in fishing and other livelihood activities. — JMD (FREEMAN)