I don't quite get this story. Why isn't he being deported? By: Benjie B. Talisic, January 2nd, 2018 11:09 PM British national Philip Mark Dunn (3rd from left) poses with his new-found friends at the Cebu City Tourist Police Office located in Plaza Sugbo near City Hall. Since February 2017, Dunn has been working as the group’s “striker” or errand boy. CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA British national Philip Mark Dunn used to travel a lot to Cebu and other parts of the country as a tourist, visiting Metro Manila, Leyte, Bohol and parts of Mindanao. But far from his jet-setting days, the 60-year-old foreigner has found himself stranded in Cebu City with an expired tourist visa and moneyless. With nowhere to go, the retired taxi driver from Flat 5 New Parade Hill View Road, England, who had lived on his pension, now lives through the kindness of policemen belonging to the Cebu City Tourist Police Office. http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/159152/philip-mark-dunn-new-brand-strike
Another press article that raises more questions than it answers. I simply don't believe that account. Visas and immigration are BoI matters, not PNP - or Tourist Police - matters and Cebu BoI isn't shy to arrest foreigners who are in breach of Immigration laws and regulations. It would seem that Dunn was in possession of a (multiple entry?) Tourist Visa (Section 9a) which provides for visits of up to 59 days at a time but may be extended in one, two or six month blocks. Had he visited the BoI office, he would have to pay for his stay to be extended plus any applicable fines; failure to do so would result in him being arrested and interned in the BoI jail until either BoI is paid its dues or his deportation is arranged (which takes about a year to arrange).
What happens if dues are not paid? Indefinte Leave to Stay? Deportation, who pays the flight if someone is penniless?
They will try to get the foreigner's Embassy to pay - good luck with that! All the British (and American) Embassy will do is offer to relay any funds paid by the distressed persons' family and friends to the Foreign Office (or State Department) - and make a charge for so doing. Failing that, in the end the burden will be put on the Philippine taxpayers but the authorities try very hard to avoid that.
He could have problems. Looks like Flat 5 New Parade Hill View Road, England was sold six months ago. Has anybody told him? Hope nobody has nicked his taxi!
There have been a few penniless and ripped off foreigners adopted by their local Municipal offices and used as gophers.. Ive seen them occasionally make a TV Balita news story on a couple of them that run around for the Mayor or different councilors.. The B.I know about them and pretty much leave them alone unless a complaint is made. Ive lost count of how many foreigners that I have met and have lived here for years without valid visas for one reason or another.
