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THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) on Monday called for increased cooperation with local governments, better connectivity and the utilization of drones to avoid further backdoor exits, through Tawi-Tawi, by high-level fugitives.

“Tawi-Tawi comprises more than 50% of the waters of the whole Bangsamoro. It is a favorite location for those who want to escape from the law,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado told a Senate hearing, as the chamber deliberates measures to strengthen the agency.

During the hearing, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said that some high-profile individuals have reportedly used backdoor exits in Tawi-Tawi, stressing that stricter measures should be implemented.

“We have to strengthen that aspect, or else this will not stop. Every time there are high-profile personalities with money and capability, they’ll just exit through the backdoor while their cases are ongoing or until they are caught,” he said.

According to Mr. Viado there should be higher coordination with local government units, better internet connectivity, and the utilization of drones to address the illegal exit of individuals from the province.

“Internally, we upgraded the status of Tawi-Tawi. We consider it a port of entry and exit. So that means there are intelligence officers there and additional manpower. But it is still lacking,” he said.

He added that the Department of Foreign Affairs should immediately cancel the passports of individuals found illegally exiting the Philippines.

“[T]he agencies concerned should immediately move for the cancellation of the passport if there is an illegal departure — that’s one measure we can look at,” the Immigration chief said.

Mr. Viado added that there are less than a hundred intelligence personnel stationed throughout the country, with another 60 to 70 under contractual or job order. — Adrian H. Halili

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