BI continues with ‘scaled-down’ operations amid COVID-19 crisis

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday said it will continue with its “scaled-down” operations after President Rodrigo Duterte extended the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being enforced in Luzon to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente made the announcement saying that its offices will remain on skeleton deployment.

“Since the ECQ was extended, we will continue our skeletal deployment in compliance with the directives from Malacanang to be able to ensure that we practice social distancing and lessen the risks of further spreading COVID-19,” Morente said in a statement.

“We have scaled down our operations significantly, following the closure of many international airports, as well as quarantine measures being implemented in the country,” he added.

The immigration chief also reminded foreigners in the country to stay indoors during the quarantine period.

Morente said foreigners whose visas will expire during the quarantine can file for an extension thirty days after the lifting of the quarantine period.

No penalties will be charged, he added.

“Please stay at home, let us all follow the restrictions being imposed by the government to be able to defeat this virus,” Morente said.

Duterte earlier approved the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine until April 30.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease said guidelines governing the implementation of the quarantine would remain in effect unless changed by the President.

/MUF