The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has formed a special unit that will monitor cases filed against foreigners who violate Philippine immigration laws to ensure the speedy resolution of these cases and expedite the deportation of detained aliens.

 

            BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued last week a memorandum order creating a “deportation task force” composed mostly of lawyers employed in the agency.

            BI Acting Executive Director Eric Dimaculangan was designated head of the task force while Department of Justice (DOJ) Senior Sate Prosecutor Roberto Lao is its assistant head.

            Named as members of the task force are lawyers Jose Carlitos Licas, Antonio Rivera, Frederico Luis Trinidad, Sherwin Pascua, Elaine Tan, and Rommel Tacorda.

 

            Dimaculangan concurrently supervises the BI detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City where aliens arrested for violating immigration laws are confined prior to their deportation.

 

            According to David, 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.

 

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

 

            David 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.

 

            He 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.

 

            Under existing rules, the BI cannot deport a detainee without a clearance from the court, police and National Bureau of Investigation.

 

            Foreigners are expelled pursuant to deportation orders issued by the BI board of commissioners and all deportees are placed in the immigration blacklist to prevent them from re-entering the Philippines .###