The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has blamed manpower shortages—particularly the lack of intelligence officers—for allowing high-profile fugitives such as former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and lawyer Harry Roque to slip past Philippine borders.

At a joint Senate hearing Monday on measures seeking to modernize the bureau, BI Commissioner Joel Viado said the agency’s personnel strength is far below that of other countries.

At present, the BI has 1,818 immigration officers, fewer than 100 intelligence officers and only 16 agents under the Fugitive Search Unit conducting intelligence operations nationwide.

“In reality, however, immigration officers are assigned not only in the different ports, but to different immigration offices as well. We have instances where we lack manpower, wherein the alien-controlled officers are forced to act as intelligence officers on the side,” Viado told senators.

He said the numbers are alarmingly low for an agency serving as the country’s first line of defense against potential threats.

Viado noted that Dubai and Abu Dhabi have 5,000 and 3,000 immigration officers, respectively, despite not being countries. Australia has 7,500 immigration officers and a total of 15,000 personnel including border control officers, while Japan has 6,700 immigration officers.

Tawi-Tawi flagged as ‘notorious’ backdoor

Senator Win Gatchalian stressed the need to strengthen border controls, citing reports that businessman and gaming magnate Atong Ang allegedly fled the country through Tawi-Tawi despite outstanding warrants related to the missing sabungeros case. The same route was reportedly used by Guo and Roque.

“All of the personalities are escaping the arms of the law by slipping through the backdoor,” Gatchalian said.

Viado acknowledged that Tawi-Tawi presents a “real challenge” for the BI due to its vast maritime coverage, which accounts for nearly half of the waters of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“That's one of the favorite exits of those who want to escape the arms of the law,” he said, adding that the BI considers Tawi-Tawi a board of entry and exit.

He admitted that while personnel are stationed in the area, their number remains insufficient.

Viado said preventive measures include stronger coordination with local government units, improved Internet connectivity, the use of drones and closer coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs for the immediate cancellation of passports.