(File photo)
MANILA – The Ports Operations Division (POD) of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has been deactivated as part of efforts to reform the agency and decentralize operations.
The division runs BI offices in the seaports and airports.
“There is already order to deactivate the POD, which we believe is part of the defects of the immigration system right now,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters on Tuesday. “This is in response to controversies that we faced in the past months.”
The POD had figured in several scams in the past, including the so-called “pastillas scam” involving alleged payoffs to BI officials by inbound foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals working in Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators.
The rolled paper bills were reportedly wrapped in paper, resembling the Filipino milk candy.
Marc Red Mariñas was replaced as POD chief by Carlos Capulong in April 2021.
On Feb. 3, the BI also announced a major revamp at its facility in Taguig City following reports that detainees were allowed to use gadgets in exchange for cash.
“If this is massive, then definitely there must be something going on. So the head and all the people inside the facility have been replaced. We are replacing them with new employees,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a radio interview.
She said gadgets, such as mobile phones, can be used only with approval from Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
Remulla said an investigation is ongoing on who should be held liable.
“There is already an ongoing show-cause order for a case for infidelity in the custody of prisoners. We’re looking at all possible cases that may be filed,” he said.
A high-profile case involved alleged Japanese burglary ring leader Yuki “Luffy” Watanabe, who reportedly directed operations from his BI detention cell using a smartphone.
Remulla said 24 mobile phones and two computer tablets were seized from Watanabe’s group.
Two of Watanabe’s henchmen were deported Tuesday while he and his other compatriot will follow on Wednesday. (PNA)
