The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Pakistani nationals with alleged links to a local terrorist group.
Arrested in Purok Durian in Barangay Pinig Libano, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur last October 3, was Pakistani Faizan Muhammad alias Faizan Khan, 34, for violation of the conditions of his stay and for being an undocumented alien.
Muhammad, together with a certain Ali Wahab, was the subject of a complaint from a Filipina after owing her of merchandise for almost a year. The complaint alleged that Muhammad possesses an expired travel document, and is already overstaying in the country since 2015.
The duo reportedly harassed the family of the complainant, and threatened to kill her as they were supported by a terrorist group.
Upon confirmation of their status, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco immediately issued a mission order to effect Muhammad’s arrest. During his arrest, Muhammad was unable to show a passport, and even presented a Philippine National ID despite being a foreign national.
His alleged cohort, Ali Wahab, 36, was located and arrested in Barangay Banago, in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. Ali was found with another Pakistani identified as Ajmal Ali, 35. Both were found to be overstaying and undocumented, and Ali was tagged by a report as a supplier of materials for a local extremist group in Central Mindanao.
Ali also presented a Philippine driver’s license stating his nationality as Filipino. Both were unable to present their travel documents.
The trio were immediately arrested and faced charges for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
BI initiates procurement of body scams for secondary inspectors
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the agency is procuring body cameras for secondary inspectors.
The cameras to be procured, he said, will be capable of livestreaming so his office can monitor activities of airport personnel.
“We have already initiated the procurement process, and expect that by the end of the year we can start the deployment of the cameras,” said Tansingco.
The United States recently made a similar action, when President Joe Biden ordered the deployment of body cameras to law enforcement agencies last year, which the Department of Homeland Security complied with a department-wide policy on body-worn cameras earlier this year.
“Body cameras will ensure that our immigration officers are effective, and remain accountable for their actions as law enforcers,” said Tansingco. “It would be easier for us to investigate complaints of misconduct with the use of body cams. It would also remind our officers to always be professional in the conduct of their duties,” he added.
The BI said it has earmarked 16M of its budget for the procurement of body cameras.
Apart from body cameras, the BI also shared that they are procuring additional electronic gates to replace 50% of their manual operations by 2026.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.