| Wednesday, 29 December 2010 18:55 |
| THE Bureau of Immigration yesterday ordered the removal of all immigration special assistance counters in international airports to prevent human traffickers from using them in their illegal activities. Immigration acting chief Ronaldo Ledesma issued the memorandum “in view of recurring incidents of escorting or facilitating of passengers” through these special counters. “Human trafficking syndicates, in cahoots with some incorrigible immigration personnel, continue to search for ways to enable them to send trafficking victims out of the country and into perilous destinations abroad, especially our aspiring overseas Filipino workers,” he said. Ledesma said closing down the special assistance counters is just one of the many steps the BI is taking to stop human trafficking. He said the immigration bureau will however continue to provide an exclusive counter for APEC Business Travel Card holders and holders of diplomatic or official passports pursuant to international commitment or practice. “This shall be stationed at the most visible area, preferably the centermost counter,” so that monitors could easily spot unauthorized use of the exclusive counter,” the BI chief said. Source: journal.com.ph |
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