BI arrests Irish national who attacked MMDA tow truck crew

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a 64-year-old Irish national who went viral on social media after he was caught on video attacking a government-contracted tow truck and members of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during an operation involving his illegally parked vehicle.

BI intelligence operatives arrested Michael Patrick Oreilly, 64, on July 13 at Camp Caringal in Quezon City after authorities found him to be in violation of the conditions of his stay in the Philippines and determined him to be an undesirable foreign national.

Following his arrest, Oreilly underwent booking procedures before being transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Muntinlupa City, where he remains under the Bureau’s custody pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said foreign nationals staying in the country are expected to obey Philippine laws and conduct themselves responsibly.

“The privilege of staying in the Philippines comes with the responsibility of respecting our laws and our people. Foreign nationals who engage in violent, abusive, or disruptive behavior should not expect to remain in the country. We will not allow undesirable aliens to undermine public order or disregard the rule of law,” said Viado.

The BI said the arrest forms part of its continuing efforts to remove undesirable foreign nationals whose actions pose a threat to public order and safety, reaffirming that immigration laws will be enforced for those who violate Philippine laws.