Neighbors protest vs 'undesirable' American in San Remigio

CEBU, Philippines —  More than 100 residents of Sitio Panaghigugma of Barangay Punta in the town of San Remigio in northern Cebu recently staged a protest rally against an overstaying American national.

The foreigner was the subject of numerous complaints from residents in his neighborhood for allegedly being an undesirable alien.

Rallying residents alleged that Sunny Miller harassed their children by throwing stones at them. He also had a brawl with fisherfolks that resulted in injury when Miller confronted them.

“Women such as mothers were not spared by insults and threats from Miller,” said Alma Patalinghug, president of Punta Women’s Association and Alfredo Arcipe, president of the fisherfolks, in a press statement.

Bearing placards, protesters shouted, “Deport Miller Now, Go Away and Go Home Miller.” They clarified that they welcome and love foreigners except for Mr. Miller.

The rallyists also implore President Ferdinand “Bongbong “Marcos Jr. and Senators Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, and Risa Hontiveros to intercede and help them to have Miller deported immediately.

It can be recalled that Miller was declared by the barangay as “persona non grata” which is strongly supported by the Municipal Council of San Remigio.

The Bureau of Immigration earlier declared Mr. Miller as “undesirable alien” when his status is a tourist and overstaying and making business without visa permit.

He was picked-up last May 2022 and jailed in Bicutan, Taguig City.

“We were extremely happy when he was jailed in Bicutan. We thought he would be deported immediately. But to our surprise, he was out for bail on June 29, 2022, a day before Commissioner Jaime Morente left his office,” Patalinghug added.

Patalinghug further said that they are devastated and frustrated by the immigration for allowing Miller to come back to the area.

The rallyists also appealed to the Department of Justice, through Secretary Crispin Remulla, to cancel his bail bond and issued a new Mission Order to re-arrest the American national. — GMR (FREEMAN)