David takes oath as new BI chief

MANILA, Philippines - Retired Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David took his oath yesterday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) as the new chief of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In an interview, he vowed to intensify efforts to fight human trafficking syndicates, including those who prey on needy overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and use them in the cross-border illegal drug trade.

“People are being smuggled. We will have our legal department execute whatever is appropriate for these syndicates,” he said.

David also vowed to stamp out corruption in the bureau, but assured his people that there would be necessary investigation and due process for those who would be involved in anomalies.

He asked for some time to familiarize himself with the operations of the bureau before deciding what specific reforms are necessary.

“I will study it first and then we will make recommendations to the President and Secretary of Justice.”

He said he also plans to talk to Rolando Ledesma, BI’s former officer-in-charge under whose watch the deportation to China of 14 Taiwanese fraud suspects happened, causing a diplomatic rift between the Philippines and Taiwan.

David said he is ready to take on his new job amid criticisms on his appointment, saying nothing is wrong with the appointment of a retired AFP chief to a civilian post.