Pinay charged for allegedly overstaying in Palau

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina is facing a criminal charge for her alleged unlawful stay in Palau, an island-nation in the Pacific Ocean, about 500 miles east of the Philippines. A report from the Marianas Variety said Catalina Serroco was charged of “one count of unlawfully remaining in the Republic of Palau" when she allegedly stayed in the country even after the expiration of her tourist visa. According to the Variety, an information filed at the Palauan Supreme Court by Assistant Attorney General Lori Ann Zucco stated that Serroco, who is "not a citizen or a legal resident" of Palau stayed in the country since February 24, 2008 and remained there “willfully and unlawfully after (the) expiration of (her) entry authorization." The report cited an affidavit from Palau’s Bureau of Immigration officer Lovelynson Wally stating that Serroco went to Palau on September 16, 2007, and that her visa expired on January 25, 2008. Last February 13, Serroco was reportedly issued a notice of overstay and fine. She was ordered to leave Palau within 10 days after the release of the notice. The Variety said Serroco entered a not guilty plea last July 7 through her counsel, Chief Public Defender Garth Backe. Palau Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong set the status conference for Serroco’s case on September 12, 11:15 a.m., at the chambers of Melekeok, one of the 16 states in Palau. - GMANews.TV