BI imposes ban on intel operations for Christmas holidays

The Bureau of Immigration has barred its intelligence agents from conducting operations during the holiday season to prevent “extortion" against suspected illegal aliens. Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma ordered all agents of the BI intelligence division to refrain from conducting operations, including case buildups and surveillance on suspected illegal aliens. But Ledesma said the ban does not apply to intelligence operations against foreign fugitives, terrorists and drug traffickers. According to him, lawyer Faizal Hussin, BI intelligence chief, suggested the ban because in the past, corrupt immigration agents reportedly harassed suspects for extortion during the holidays. "Some of these agents even went to the extent of dropping the names of the BI commissioner and other bureau officials in their extortion schemes," the BI chief said. On the other hand, Hussin told reporters the suspension of intelligence operations took effect Tuesday and will stay until the first week of January. All agents on field assignments were instructed to report to the main office. "They will do office work while the suspension of operations is in effect. Those who violate the directive will be dealt with accordingly," Hussin said. Ledesma meanwhile directed the BI INTERPOL unit under lawyer Floro Balato Jr. to continue without letup in its operations against foreign fugitives in the country. — LBG/kbk, GMANews.TV