The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that an additional 26 individuals identified in connection with the alleged ghost flood control projects are now under close monitoring following the issuance of a new directive from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The BI confirmed that it received the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) on September 4, signed by DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The order compels immigration officers to keep track of the travel activities of the subjects and to immediately relay any attempt to depart the Philippines.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the request for the issuance of the ILBO came from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, who in a September 3 letter to the DOJ identified the individuals as DPWH officials and private contractors allegedly involved in ghost projects and substandard construction. The DPWH stressed the need for immediate reporting to the department and law enforcement agencies should these individuals attempt to flee.
This is the second batch of personalities placed under immigration lookout in relation to the questionable flood control projects.
The DOJ, in the order, underscored that the order was issued “in view of the gravity of the allegations and the strong possibility that the individuals may attempt to evade legal processes by leaving the country.”
Sandoval said that an ILBO is a monitoring mechanism and not a ban on departure, wherein immigration officers are under strict instructions to verify with concerned agencies if other legal orders exist against the subjects and to gather complete travel information for the ongoing probe.
