BONGAO, Tawi-tawi—Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente said that they are studying strengthening their offices in border crossing stations in Mindanao.
According to Morente, the Taganak station located near the Sulu Sea, and the Bongao station located near the Celebes Sea, have been identified as priority areas in IT systems upgrade and infrastructure improvement for the BI.
BI Bay Service Section Chief Alnazib Decampong reported that they have conducted on-site visits and studies and are ready with their recommendations for specific needs of the offices.
“It is necessary that we strengthen immigration monitoring in these border crossing stations,” said Decampong.
“We see these areas as upcoming major trade and travel hubs in the next few decades,” he added.
Decampong adds that strengthening said stations would also improve the agency’s inspection measures to prevent the possible entry of illegal aliens and foreign terrorists.
Apart from IT and infrastructure improvement, Morente also eyes added personnel to be deployed in said areas.
“We have increased the number of BI personnel in these areas, but are looking into maximizing our numbers so as to better implement our mandate,” said Morente.
The BI also plans to expand the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) to the southern region.
