Immigration heightens alert for foreign terrorists

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has alerted all its intelligence operatives following reports that members of the Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah were working with Abu Sayyaf group to bomb targets in Metro Manila, Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Friday.

David also instructed BI operatives in the different ports of entry to be on heightened alert and be on the lookout for foreign terror suspects who might attempt to slip into the country.

At the same time, David ordered BI Intelligence Chief Maria Antonette Mangrobang to closely coordinate with military and police intelligence officials in verifying the report about the alleged presence of foreign terrorists here.

David also ordered the deployment of personnel under the newly-formed anti-terrorist unit of the BI intelligence division to monitor the activities of foreigners, particularly those considered as high risk nationals.

“Foreign passengers who might be profiled as public charges or potential threats to national security will be turned back and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin,” she added.

She added that the Bureau has a database of thousands of suspected foreign terrorists and whose names were now in the bureau’s blacklist of undesirable aliens.

The other day, authorities said, they were verifying reports that the JI and Abu Sayyaf sent militants to bomb targets in the capital.

Military and police intelligence officials said they were taking the report seriously and that operatives have been deployed in the metropolis to thwart any terror attacks.