Gov’t opens new facility for foreign nationals facing deportation

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday led the inauguration and turnover of the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility (BIWF) at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) compound in Muntinlupa City. The new center will temporarily house foreign nationals undergoing deportation proceedings.

Located at the Muntinlupa Juvenile Training Center (MJTC) Barracks within the New Bilibid Prison Reservation, the 1,260-square meter facility is part of a one-hectare area allocated by BuCor for the Bureau of Immigration's use.

Earlier, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. approved the request of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado for uninterrupted access to the facility, specifically for foreign detainees held by the BI while awaiting deportation or facing proceedings.

He emphasized the government's commitment to a faster deportation process while ensuring the humane treatment of individuals involved.

Catapang also noted that one of the key features of the collaboration is the streamlined procedure for handling foreign Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Instead of processing them through the BI main office, they will now be transferred directly to the MJTC Barracks.

The partnership between BuCor and BI, both under the Department of Justice, marks a significant move toward improving deportation protocols in the country. The agencies aim to boost operational efficiency and handle the rising number of foreign nationals undergoing deportation more effectively.