BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the agency will not be cowered by complaints against them for legitimate arrests that they have conducted.
Tansingco made the statement after a group of Indian nationals reportedly filed a complaint against BI intelligence officers.
The complaint, which was filed before the National Prosecution Service in Pasay, allege that 13 intelligence officers involved in the arrest of 16 Indian nationals in Antique and Iloilo unlawfully conducted the operations.
The Indians claimed that they were holding valid 9(g) working visas, hence have no immigration violation.
Tansingco revealed that the arrest against the 16 Indians was the result of complaints against them for reportedly engaging in illegal money-lending business or ‘5-6’.
The BI shared a copy of the letter they received from the Antique Provincial Board, reporting the increasing number of Indian nationals in their area involved in 5-6, as well as kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Tansingco said they have also received reports in Iloilo against Indian nationals involved in violence, urging the BI to conduct operations against said foreign nationals.
A total of 10 Indians were arrested in the towns of Arevalo and Savana, Iloilo while six others were arrested in San Jose, Antique.
Tansingco stressed that despite holding 9(g) visas, foreigners who are found not to be working for the petitioning company, working for fake companies, or engaging in activities that constitute undesirability, then they may still face deportation and blacklisting.
While Tansingco confirmed the legality of the arrest, he vowed to pursue a separate investigation on the allegations of extortion against the operatives.
“We will investigate this complaint and ensure that if found to be guilty, erring employees will face the harshest penalty of law,” said Tansingco.
He, however, stressed that the BI will not be cowered into ceasing massive arrests against illegal aliens and foreign gangs that are reported be causing trouble in communities.
“We encourage local government units to continue reporting to us illegal aliens that might be involved in illicit activities in your respective areas,” said Tansingco. “We have our regional intelligence units intent on locating, arresting, and deporting these illegal aliens.”
