No BI order to inspect Manila entertainment venues for ‘illegal aliens’ – DOJ – Manila Bulletin

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has not yet issued any orders to inspect entertainment venues in Manila for “illegal foreigners working.”

In a statement released Monday, Nov. 28, the Justice Department said Immigration Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco denied he had issued the order.

Tansingco was quoted by the Ministry of Justice as saying: “Immigration has not issued such an order. Our agents do not have the authority to randomly inspect establishments, but need to obtain a warrant to carry out the arrest.”

Tansingco said the mandate “will only be issued after a thorough investigation and confirmation that the aliens involved have indeed violated immigration laws.”

The Justice Department said BI, an agency of the department, issued the warning after receiving reports of false orders.

It said the false order indicated that BI agents had been instructed to inspect and search illegal aliens in entertainment venues in Manila, including bars, karaoke parlors, concert halls, golf clubs, bowling alleys, Internet cafes, amusement parks, casinos, Hotels, hostels and restaurants.

“Tansingco believes that the false order is being used by groups to scare foreigners in the country into defrauding them,” the DOJ said.

It also said Tansingco urged BI personnel to act without a mission order “should be immediately reported to local law enforcement.”

Tags: #DOJ #BI #IllegalAlien