BI pushes for tighter measures to stop ‘backdoor exits’ in Tawi-Tawi

The Bureau of Immigration on Monday pushed for tougher measures to block “backdoor exits,” focusing on Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines’ southernmost province bordering Malaysia.

In a hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado acknowledged that monitoring Tawi-Tawi remains a "challenge," noting that the province has become a “favorite” route for individuals seeking to evade the law.

"Internally sa Bureau of Immigration, in-upgrade po namin ang status ng Tawi-Tawi. We consider that port of entry and exit. So ibig sabihin…may intelligence na po diyan and additional manpower. But kulang pa rin po ‘yun," Viado said.

(Within the Bureau of Immigration, we have upgraded Tawi-Tawi’s status. We now treat it as a port of entry and exit, with intelligence personnel and additional manpower deployed—but it is still not enough.)

Tawi-Tawi sits just a few dozen kilometers from the Malaysian state of Sabah, making it a frequent route for cross-border movement.

The province’s main seaport, located on Bongao Island, serves as the primary gateway for travel and commerce, and is roughly 150 kilometers from the nearest Malaysian port in Lahad Datu.

Viado suggested increased coordination with local government units (LGUs), improved internet connectivity, and the use of drones in Tawi-Tawi to address the persistent problem.

He also urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to promptly cancel the passports of those found to be illegally leaving the country.

"‘Pag ho may cases ng illegal departure, the agencies concerned should immediately move for the cancellation of the passport, kung may illegal departure. That’s one measure na we can look at," he said.

(If there are cases of illegal departure, the agencies concerned should immediately cancel the passport. That’s one measure we can implement.)

Viado further stressed the need to pursue criminal cases against those who leave the country illegally, adding that if existing laws are weak or absent, a stronger law against illegal departures should be crafted.

He noted that the BI currently has fewer than 100 regular personnel conducting intelligence operations nationwide, excluding around 60 to 70 contractual and job order staff.

During the hearing, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised concerns about high-profile individuals who have purportedly used backdoor exits, including former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

"Ngayon nung nandon ako, ang sinasabi nila si Atong Ang dumaan raw doon sa backdoor. So all of the personalities are escaping the arms of the law by slipping through the backdoor," Gatchalian said.

(When I was there, they said Atong Ang passed through the backdoor. High-profile individuals are evading the law by using these routes.)

The senator was referring to controversial Filipino businessman and gambling magnate Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang, who is currently the subject of a manhunt over his alleged involvement in the case of the missing "sabungeros" (gamecock enthusiasts).

Gatchalian warned that high-profile individuals could continue evading the law through backdoor exits unless stricter measures are implemented.

"We have to strengthen that aspect, or else this will not stop. Every time there are high-profile personalities with money and capability, they’ll just exit through the backdoor while their cases are ongoing or until they are caught," he said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News