BI to use body-worn cameras at airports

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the human trafficking probe at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration would equip all its personnel assigned at airports with body-worn cameras, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

The cameras, equipped with voice-recording capability, are targeted to be deployed by October.

“This is not only about documenting our officers’ transactions. The body-worn cameras will strengthen accountability, transparency and monitoring, and serve as a deterrent against any personnel who may attempt to abuse their position,” Viado said.

He added that the project is already in the implementation stage.

The measure comes amid the ongoing internal investigation into the attempted departure of a potential human trafficking and illegal recruitment victim at the NAIA Terminal 1 on Sept. 12.

Three BI personnel are being investigated for their involvement in the scheme. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is investigating the roles of two other people.

One of the three BI personnel, a job order employee, has been terminated while the two others, including the officer arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation, were relieved from their airport assignments.

The BI said the administrative actions are separate from the possible criminal liability, which will depend on the findings of the NBI investigation.

Viado said the BI is conducting a deeper examination of the circumstances surrounding the human trafficking attempt.

Initial investigation showed that the passenger arrived at the terminal nearly 12 hours before her scheduled departure and was cleared by an immigration officer almost nine hours before the scheduled flight.

The investigation will determine who assisted or attended to the passenger from the time she entered the terminal until she reached the immigration area.

Aside from the three, Viado said the BI is examining whether other airport personnel have had involvement in or knowledge of the circumstances.

“We need to establish the complete timeline and identify everyone who may have had contact with or assisted the passenger inside the terminal. Given the circumstances, our investigation cannot be limited to what happened at the immigration counter alone,” Viado said.

He reiterated his commitment to recommend the dismissal of any BI personnel proven to have engaged in wrongdoing and to pursue the filing of appropriate criminal cases.

“We will not allow the wrongdoing of a few to undermine the hard-earned accomplishments and credibility of the Bureau. I strongly warn all BI personnel: Do not abuse your position and do not engage in illegal activities. We will take firm action against anyone found to have violated the law or abused their authority,” Viado said.