P-Noy scolds BI on anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino took officials and staff of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to task yesterday over various controversies that have hounded the agency, particularly the reported flight of high-profile fugitives former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes.

The President said he could not accept that some BI officials were either caught “natutulog sa pansitan (napping in the noodle house)” or in cahoots with unscrupulous individuals.

The Reyeses are suspects in the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega in January 2011.

In a speech during the bureau’s 72nd anniversary celebration attended by BI chief Ricardo David, other officials and employees, the President said he and the rest of his bosses, the Filipino people, were dismayed by their foul-ups.

Aside from the case of the Reyes brothers, the President cited the incident of a Korean national, Kim Tae Dong, who was ordered deported by the South Korean embassy for duping people and running away with some $8 million from South Korea.

In December, Kim managed to escape from the hospital while BI personnel were guarding him and that a number of medical procedures suddenly had to be done so he would not go back to jail.

The President said the Reyes brothers reportedly managed to flee on March 18 after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima released a look-out bulletin on them on March 13.

The President said the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group recently arrested 378 foreigners who were suspected to be part of a cybercrime and human trafficking syndicate victimizing people from Taiwan and China and who were conducting illegal operations in the Philippines.

He asked how the foreigners managed to slip into the country without being detected.

Aquino said that the arrest of 42 Chinese nationals for the same crime in 2010 became a diplomatic issue.

“But instead of curtailing the syndicate, they even increased in number. Maybe they are happy with the way we implement our laws here,” he said.

The President called on BI personnel to ensure that unscrupulous individuals would not be able to get into the country.

Overtime pay

As regards the overtime pay of the BI workers that was being charged to airlines and private companies, Aquino expressed belief there is a need to assist these companies as they help a lot in the tourism industry.

“Let me just make it clear that we are not taking your services for granted. We continue to ensure that you will receive the benefits that are owed you in accordance with law,” he said.