Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Thursday confirmed plans to provide handcuffs to immigration officers assigned at the country’s points of entry.
Remulla said the restraining devices are needed as Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel provide frontline services in securing the country.
“They wield a sovereign function. They protect our territories,” he told reporters in a Viber message.
He added the handcuffs will be issued to those assigned at airports, seaports, and points of entry.
Remulla named the BI as among the problem-laden offices under the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Last June, the bureau implemented the dismissal order of the Office of the Ombudsman against its personnel in connection with the “pastillas” scheme.
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of 45 officials and employees of the bureau after finding them liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Under the “pastillas” scheme, immigration officers receive bribes wrapped in a small white paper in exchange for allowing the illegal entry of foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals. They are able to enter the country without going through the usual immigration procedures. (PNA)