DOJ, Immigration to probe airport ‘escort’ services

The Department of Justice on Friday said it has forged a joint initiative with the Bureau of Immigration to investigate and combat corruption within the bureau, particularly focusing on the reported “escort” system at airports.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco have vowed to thoroughly probe allegations of escort services provided by immigration officers at airports.

In a bid to stamp out corruption, Tansingco said there are 72 cases against Immigration officers and personnel that are currently pending before the BI’s Board of Discipline and over 100 cases initiated with the DOJ.

The DOJ said a total of 73 BI employees have already received decisions this year, including dismissals and suspensions.

The BI employees sanctioned include a male immigration officer who facilitated the departure of 13 Filipinos later implicated in human trafficking and another who authorized the travel of a blacklisted Korean national.

“This is not an overnight problem. However, we are making substantial progress in tackling corruption, holding guilty employees accountable, and deterring others from straying,” Tansingco said.

Tansingco also underscored the implementation of technological upgrades to enhance security and curb corruption.

These include a transition from manual to automated passenger processing involving e-gates and AI technology, designed to reduce unnecessary person-to-person contact.

The BI has procured body cameras for inspectors, set for deployment by year’s end.

The bureau’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is expected to provide another layer of protection. Once fully operational, the APIS will facilitate the early identification of undesirable foreign nationals and potential security threats before their entry into the country.

“Corruption has no place in the BI. Through our partnership with the DOJ and our embrace of advanced technology, we are dedicated to eradicating corruption,” Tansingco said. With Vito Barcelo