Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said frontline personnel have been directed to immediately prevent the named individuals from leaving the country and to coordinate any attempted departure with law enforcement agencies.
The alert order covers all major gateways, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport, and Mactan–Cebu International Airport, as well as seaports under the BI’s jurisdiction.
Tansingco said the bureau is closely monitoring passenger manifests and has intensified secondary inspections to ensure none of the individuals evade authorities.
The warrants were issued in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings, though officials have yet to release specific case details.
The BI said it will continue to assist law enforcement agencies until all subjects are located and accounted for.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday ordered heightened alert procedures at all international airports and seaports after the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 15 others.
The BI instructed its Port Operations Division and border control units to screen departing and arriving passengers to identify any of the individuals named in the warrants. Immigration officers were told to verify traveler identities against the list and to coordinate immediately with law enforcement if any of the subjects are found.
The Sandiganbayan issued the warrants after finding probable cause in pending criminal cases. The BI said all international ports must maintain strict monitoring to prevent Co and the others from leaving or entering the country undetected.
According to the bureau, details of the warrants have been distributed to field offices to guide officers on implementation. Personnel at airports and seaports must report and hold any of the subjects for turnover to arresting authorities.
