Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)
MANILA -- Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday confirmed that he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate unnamed Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials and personnel allegedly involved in human trafficking activities.
Guevarra said his order dated January 22 was prompted by "reports of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) headed for Kuwait and other restricted places in the Middle East but would transit first in Malaysia or Indonesia, allegedly in connivance with unscrupulous Bureau of Immigration personnel".
The temporary ban on OFW deployment to Kuwait was prompted by the death of household worker Jeanelyn Villavende at her employers' hands.
The ban has since been partially lifted but remains in force for newly-hired household service workers.
Guevarra said rogue immigration personnel's activities also include the entry of foreigners to the Philippines at the Clark International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport and the Kalibo International Airport.
He clarified that these foreigners are not necessarily fugitives but were "improperly documented aliens".
The order directed the NBI "if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against these officials and personnel and other persons found responsible therefor".
Sought for comment, the BI welcomed the DOJ's directive.
“The Bureau is open and welcomes any investigation of its mother department, the Department of Justice, in uncovering any possible human trafficking and escort services in several international airports,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a statement.
Sandoval added that the bureau is one with the DOJ in the goal of cleaning up its ranks.
“As of mid-2019, we have dismissed from service and suspended more than 60 personnel for various offenses. We will not hesitate to impose harsh penalties on others who are found to be committing such acts. Violators will face both administrative and criminal cases. This will serve as a warning to all who still attempt to conduct corrupt practices in the Bureau,” she added. (with reports from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
