PH gets EU aid to stop terrorists, criminals

From Malaya Business Insight (Jun 27): PH gets EU aid to stop terrorists, criminals

THE European Union has given the Bureau of Immigration computers and other electronic gadgets to boost its capability to detect, apprehend and thwart the entry of foreign terrorists and criminals in the country.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the 30 computers and hi-tech gadgets will likewise help improve the bureau’s delivery of services to the public.

“It will go a long way in enhancing our border security and bolster our ability to prevent the entry of undesirable aliens,’ Morente said, adding the donation will be turned-over to the BI’s Interpol Unit.

“We are very thankful to the EU for extending its generous support and assistance to the BI’s efforts to acquire modern tools and equipment in order to boost its campaign against illegal aliens, especially in the different ports of entry nationwide,” he added.

Lawyer Rommel Tacorda, head of the BI-Interpol Unit, said the donation is part of the EU-ASEAN Migration and Border Management programme II which the EU launched to assist various Interpol units operating in the Southeast Asian region.

“This project, through the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime-Interpol National Central Bureau Manila, aims to support ASEAN in its integration process and strengthen networks and cooperation between and among law enforcement agencies in the region,” Tacorda said.

The BI Interpol Unit has been reorganized and placed under the Border Control and Intelligence Unit of the Port Operations Division (POD).

With the new set-up, Interpol’s activities and operations will be closely coordinated with the POD’s intelligence group, bolstering their capability to monitor, intercept and apprehend unwanted aliens, especially foreign terrorists and criminals, attempting to enter the country.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/ph-gets-eu-aid-stop-terrorists-criminals