Turkish businessman faces deportation for attack on traffic enforcer

MANILA, Philippines — A Turkish businessman was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Thursday morning shortly after he posted bail in Makati City for assaulting a traffic enforcer.

Yuksel Ibrahim, 24, was arrested for being an undesirable alien, working without the proper permit and overstaying, according to Senior Superintendent Rogelio Simon, Makati police chief.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the bureau checked Ibrahim’s status after receiving information about the incident.

“Respect our laws and respect our law enforcers. We will not tolerate this behavior. His actions show that he is a risk to public safety and must be deported,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

Ibrahim was detained at the Makati police headquarters after he was arrested for attacking enforcer Michael Orcino, who caught him driving without a license on Nov. 22.

The businessman was charged with direct assault, threat, resisting arrest and malicious mischief.

He is detained in the BI jail at Camp Bagong Diwa. 

Makati Mayor Abby Binay has ordered the city’s legal department to exhaust all legal remedies and ask the BI for the immediate deportation of Ibrahim for his behavior. 

“He has no right to assault an officer who only asked to see his driver’s license. His behavior was arrogant and uncivilized. He should be deported and declared persona non grata,” she said. 

More raps to follow

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is also seeking Ibrahim’s deportation for attacking enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) in Intramuros after he was apprehended for illegal parking.

Miguel So, head of the MTPB central impounding division, said they were conducting a clearing operation in Intramuros on Oct. 25 when they noticed Ibrahim’s vehicle was illegally parked in front of the BI office.

They towed the vehicle to the MTPB’s impounding area at the Central Market.

Ibrahim arrived at the impounding area later that day, accompanied by Felix Pancha, who claimed to be a soldier.

Ibrahim shouted at the MTPB personnel, opened the vehicle’s door and sped away with the vehicle, So said.

MTPB director Dennis Alcantara said they will file charges of direct assault and unjust vexation against Ibrahim. – With Jose Rodel Clapano