BI deploys more officers to ports across the country

IN A bid to fortify border control units, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday announced that it has deployed additional immigration officers to international ports across the country. Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente, in a statement released yesterday, said he has “already issued personnel orders directing scores of immigration officers to report for duty in the other international ports nationwide.” In a separate text message, BI Spokesperson Ma. Antonette B. Mangrobang said 17 officers were deployed so far to the Kalibo, Clark, Cebu, and Tagbilaran airports, where there had been “lack of manpower”. Mr. Morente further said that the BI continues “to expedite the recruitment of immigration officers” after reported resignations and indefinite leaves of absence by officers due to unsettled overtime pay following the veto on the use of the express lane charges to augment their salaries. — Kristine Joy V. Patag