BI reiterates rule against foreigners engaging in rallies

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reiterated its rule prohibiting foreigners from engaging in political activities in the country, following the issuance of an order to leave against Dutch Otto Rudolf De Vries.

In a statement on Thursday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the bureau had received information from government intelligence sources that De Vries was engaged in and actively participated in several protest rallies in the country.

“There are no exemptions,” said Morente.  “Foreign nationals, regardless of their visa type, may not engage in partisan political activities.”

According to Morente, BI records showed that De Vries was staying in the country through a permanent resident visa under Section 13 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

BI confirmed that an order canceling De Vries’ permanent visa, as well as requiring him to leave the country has been signed in November last year.

“His name has also been included in the immigration blacklist for being an undesirable alien,” Morente said.

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