The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a 69-year-old American national in Angeles City, Pampanga, following an alleged public altercation at a mall involving abusive and racist behavior toward Filipino citizens.

The BI identified the foreign national as Patrick Ndukwuegbulam Obison, also known as Dr. Patrick Ndukwuegbulam Obison, who was apprehended under Mission Order No. 2026-341 issued Sept. 24.

According to the BI, Obison allegedly harassed a Filipino citizen and publicly referred to a local woman as an “animal.”

He is facing deportation proceedings on grounds of undesirability for allegedly insulting or disparaging Filipinos and engaging in publicly abusive, racist and derogatory conduct. He is also facing immigration charges for allegedly causing a disturbance, disrupting public peace and harassing local citizens.

The BI also alleged that Obison failed to report a change in his registered address, in violation of the Alien Registration Act of 1950.

Obison was brought to the BI Warden’s Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, where he will remain pending the resolution of his deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado reminded foreign nationals to respect Filipinos and comply with Philippine laws.

“The Philippines welcomes foreign nationals who respect our people and our laws. But our hospitality must never be mistaken for permission to insult, harass, or demean Filipinos. Those who violate our immigration laws and disrupt public order will face appropriate action from the Bureau of Immigration, in accordance with law and due process,” Viado said.

The bureau stressed that the deportation case remains ongoing and will be resolved in accordance with law and due process, with Obison given an opportunity to be heard.