BI opens warden facility at NBP

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday inaugurated its new warden facility inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, according to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

BuCor said the facility, which can accommodate 450 foreign nationals, will serve as another detention site for foreigners undergoing deportation proceedings.

“This facility arrives at a crucial time as we intensify deportation proceedings, especially against foreign nationals involved in illicit POGO operations,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said in a statement.

BuCor said the facility will be further expanded to accommodate 700 people.

“This milestone underscores our whole-of-government approach to border control and immigration enforcement,” he said.

“It is a concrete response to the President’s call to protect our borders and safeguard our people from criminal elements, especially those abusing systems like the POGO scheme,” he added.

Also present at the inauguration were Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA Integrated News