By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday vowed more frequent and rigid inspections at its facility in Taguig City.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente made the remark after BI personnel seized mobile phones, sharp and pointed objects, and other prohibited items during a raid in the facility on Tuesday.
“Seeing dangerous weapons confiscated here prompts us to add stricter security measures,” Morente said in a statement.
He noted that they will be conducting an investigation on how prohibited items made its way inside the detention center.
Other confiscated items during the raid include portable air condition units, portable Wi-Fi, knives, steel tubes, scissors, laptops, DVD players, deck of cards, and lighters.
“Past administrations used to be lenient in allowing the detainees to use gadgets, because the BIWF (Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility) is a detention facility for those to be deported, and not a jail,” he said.
Morente added that the raid was conducted after receiving intelligence reports on the proliferation of prohibited items inside the facility.
It was headed by lawyer Jesselito Castro in coordination with operatives from the BI Intelligence Division and Regional Special Operation Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office.
The BIWF serves as the detention center for foreign nationals who are undergoing deportation proceedings.
It currently houses 236 foreigners up for deportation.
