BI forms deportation task force

Thursday 5th of July 2012

QUEZON CITY, JULY 4 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has formed a special unit that will monitor cases filed against foreigners who violate Philippine immigration laws.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said he has issued a memorandum order creating a “deportation task force” to ensure the speedy resolution of cases and expedite the deportation of detained aliens.

The task force was formed to address the perennial problem of delays in resolving and disposing deportation complaints against aliens charged with immigration law violations.

David disclosed that most of the detainees have languished in jail due to pending court cases, thus the BI had to continuously shoulder the cost of their food and lodging.

Designated head of the task force is BI Acting Executive Director Eric Dimaculangan who concurrently supervises the BI detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City where aliens arrested for violating immigration laws are confined prior to their deportation.

David said members the task force were directed to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all deportation cases.

He also underscored the need to finally resolve the cases of “overstaying” inmates at the Bicutan jail so they could be deported to their country of origin.

Under existing rules, the BI cannot deport a detainee without a clearance from the court, police and National Bureau of Investigation. (BI/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)