BI revamps 800 NAIA personnel amid corruption probe

Around 800 personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have been affected by a total revamp.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that all chiefs were replaced, except for the Chief of Port Operations Division, and frontline personnel were reshuffled in shifts and terminals to prevent collusion.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente announced the revamp as part of continuing reforms and in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's directive.

Morente explained that regular rotation and changes in assignments are methods to improve performance, encourage skill upgrades, and prevent graft and corruption.

These changes aim to address the recent resurgence of unauthorized activities and irregularities that affect the professionalism and service of the BI.

A whistleblower had previously testified at a Senate inquiry about immigration officers allegedly receiving bribes to facilitate the entry of Chinese tourists for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The BI has implemented new protocols, including second inspections and more CCTV cameras, to enhance transparency and monitor officer activities.

Those implicated are under administrative custody with canceled privileges, and the BI is pursuing due process, with assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for probing private entities.