Part of the recovered and confiscated prohibited items during a raid in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig. Photo courtesy of Bureau of Immigration
BI raids Taguig warden facility, contrabands seized
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday launched a raid in its warden facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco bared that 49 operatives from its Intelligence Division (ID), assisted by 84 policemen and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), conducted the “surprise” massive raid at 2:30 in the morning.
“We sent a letter to the NCRPO the other day requesting their assistance in the massive raid that we are conducting,” said Tansingco. “We are thankful that they extended their assistance and support to our efforts,” he stated.
The three-hour inspection yielded illegal sharp objects, construction tools, cigarettes, cellular phones, laptops, modems, and undeclared money.
All confiscated items were sealed and safely kept by the BI ID.
The raid follows reports of illegal and undeclared objects inside the facility.
“We also conducted a spot drug test on all BIWF (Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility) employees on duty,” shared Tansingco. “All yielded negative results,” he added.
He likewise ordered the strict implementation of the prohibition to use gadgets of fugitives from justice.
“We will not tolerate any misdemeanor in any office of the BI,” said Tansingco.
“May this serves as a warning to those who may attempt to smuggle illegal contraband inside the facility. We will be conducting numerous surprise inspections, and those who will be caught will be held liable,” he warned.
It can be recalled that in October, BIWF personnel intercepted two separate attempts to smuggle methamphetamine or shabu inside kimchi containers. BY JUN I. LEGASPI & HECTOR LAWAS
