BI revamps detention center

April 1, 2019

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente on Monday announced the revamp of the BI Warden Facility Protection Unit in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

The announcement was given following a random inspection last March 25 headed by Intelligence Officer Melody Penelope Gonzales.

The unit houses 212 foreign nationals awaiting deportation.  

The inspection, conducted with the assistance of operatives from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, yielded numerous items illegally kept inside the ward’s sleeping quarters.

“Wards are allowed to keep P5,000 only, but during the inspection, almost P100,000 excess money was found,” said Gonzales. 

“These were accounted for, and we asked them to wrap their money in paper, seal it and sign it.  They were likewise given acknowledgement receipts, as these will be returned to them upon implementation of their deportation,” she added.

Gonzales reported that other prohibited items were found inside the facility. 

“Laptops, chargers, speakers, tablets, cellular phones, DVD players, power banks, casino chips, carpentry tools, cigarettes, lighters, knives, carpentry tools, and pirated DVDs were among those that were temporarily confiscated from them,” she said. 

She said six laptops, one tablet, and 23 cellular phones were submitted for forensic examination of its contents following reports of illegal activities conducted by wards.

Morente ordered the relief of unit head Niño Oliver Dato upon receipt of the inspection report. 

“We conducted a shakedown last January 22, but it seems as if things have gotten worse,” said Morente. 

“We have received reports that a number of detainees have been conducting some sort of online business inside the facility, thus the gadgets in question were submitted for forensic examination,” he added. DMS