2 immigration officers sacked over Reyes departure

MANILA, Philippines - Two immigration officers have been relieved from their post for allegedly aiding Joseph Lim Pe, who is believed to be former Palawan governor Joel Reyes.

Reyes is a suspect in the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Ma. Antonette Mangrobang said BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. on Tuesday ordered the relief of immigration officers Westley Gutierrez and Orodelio Odarbe pending result of their investigation.

Mangrobang said it was Gutierrez who allegedly cleared Lim Pe while Odarbe reportedly facilitated the departure of Lim Pe and Mario Reyes.

Odarbe and Gutierrez were assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“They are expected to report to the BI main office in Intramuros,” Mangrobang said.

The BI official said they are still confirming if the former governor used the alias Joseph Lim Pe to leave the country.

The BI learned that Lim Pe left the country via the NAIA Terminal 3 last March 18 and went to Saigon, Vietnam on board a Cebu Pacific flight.