BI to blacklist 400 aliens

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that more than 400 foreign nationals are set to be placed on a blacklist after it was discovered that they were petitioned by a fake company.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that this action is part of the agency's effort to expel illegal immigrants from the nation, especially those who get visas by using fictitious documentation.

Tansingco added that 459 aliens have been utilizing fake companies in their applications, according to three successive audit reports from their Verification and Compliance Division (VCD).

The BI chief also stated that these foreign nationals' applications were processed using the services of accredited entities authorized to apply on behalf of foreign nationals. However, through their audits, they discovered that the companies that petitioned them were spurious.

The bureau revealed that at least 79 accredited liaison officers are facing investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the racket. Four BI lawyers are also under investigation in relation to the modus.

Last week, the BI reported uncovering the modus, prompting a massive investigation into the purported scheme.

According to Tansingco, they immediately reported this matter to the Department of Justice, which committed to assisting in the investigation with the NBI.

Tansingco also shared that the subject of foreign nationals' visas will be canceled, and those inside the country will be ordered to leave and blacklisted.

The audit comes after searches by local law enforcement agencies turned up prostitution dens and scam hubs masquerading as respectable businesses.

"We are after aliens who falsify or misuse documents," said Tansingco. "Our drive against illegal aliens remains relentless, and we will continue to run after those who coddle such violators," he added.