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Probe on 'baklas passport' BI execs ongoing: DOJ chief

By Benjamin Pulta

May 5, 2021, 7:19 pm

<p>Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra <em>(Screengrab)</em></p>

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Screengrab)

MANILA – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing over the "baklas passport" human trafficking scheme involving rogue immigration bureau officials.

"We’ll disclose the contents as soon as we find a substantial basis to proceed to a formal administrative investigation," Guevarra said.

He said the alleged trafficking of women to Syria is already being investigated by the Bureau of Immigration’s board of discipline.

"Their fact-finding reports will be submitted to the (DOJ) for review and initiation of formal administrative disciplinary proceedings if found warranted," Guevarra said.

"It is a continuing investigation. Some reports have actually been submitted to the DOJ for evaluation."

The opposition in the Senate has pounced on the report of illegal recruitment of young women from the southern Philippines using tampered or “baklas” (taken apart) passports to spirit the victims out of the country. (PNA)

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