The Bureau of Immigration (BI) plans to strengthen the country’s southern border by putting up more BI stations with complete communication and IT systems in Mindanao.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the Taganak station located near the Sulu Sea and the Bongao station located near the Celebes Sea, have been identified as priority areas in IT systems upgrade and infrastructure improvement.
BI bay service section chief Alnazib Decampong reported that they have conducted on-site visits and studies and were ready with their recommendations for specific needs of the offices.
“It is necessary that we strengthen immigration monitoring in these border crossing stations. We see these areas as upcoming major trade and travel hubs in the next few decades,” he added.
Decampong said strengthening border stations would also improve the agency’s inspection measures to prevent the entry of illegal aliens and foreign terrorists.
Apart from IT and infrastructure improvement, Morente also eyed more personnel to be deployed in said areas.
“We have increased the number of BI personnel in these areas, but are looking into maximizing our numbers so as to better implement our mandate,” Morente said.
The BI also plans to expand the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) to the southern region. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) plans to strengthen the country’s southern border by putting up more BI stations with complete communications and IT systems in Mindanao.