MANILA, Philippines ? The Bureau of Immigration has created an Interpol unit that would spearhead the agency?s campaign in hunting down wanted foreign criminals hiding in the country.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said he issued a memorandum order creating the bureau?s Interpol unit in a move aimed at strengthening the agency?s capability in going after foreign fugitives and combating transnational crimes.

?Henceforth, this new team will serve as the frontline unit in our campaign against foreign fugitives and other foreign criminals who have sought or planning to seek refuge in our country to evade prosecution and punishment for their crimes,? Libanan said in a press statement..

Floro Balato Jr., the bureau?s deputy chief of staff and spokesman, was named head of the unit while his deputies would be Antonio Rivera, who heads the bureau?s deportation unit, and Simeon Vallada, BI antifraud division chief.

They will be assisted by 14 other employees, including detailed personnel from other agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and Philippine National Police.

In his memorandum order, Libanan tasked the bureau?s Interpol unit to establish stronger linkages and cooperation between the bureau and the Interpol units of other law enforcement agencies here and abroad.