BID warns foreigners against
agents sans 'mission orders'
By Ria Isidro-de Fiesta

SAN FERNANDO -- The Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) regional office Saturday said foreign nationals should be wary against agents asking for
their documents without a "mission order" issued by BID commissioner Andrea Domingo.

This, after the BID received reports that some immigration agents have been arresting foreigners without the proper mission order.

Rico Pedrealba, BID regional chief, said the BID has also been mandated to protect foreign investment, not just to arrest illegal aliens.

"That is why we ask these foreign nationals to be careful about these agents who ask for their papers prior to an arrest, without a mission order from
Commissioner Andrea Domingo.

Pedrealba said that foreigners who encounter these agents should notify the immigration department immediately.

"We want to call the attention of our foreigner friends that if they have doubts about some agents asking for their papers to call the nearest BID office
in their area," Pedrealba said.

Pedrealba said that arrests made by these unscrupulous agents on foreign nationals without going through the proper procedure happens because of the BID's quasi-judicial power.

Pedrealba explained that Immigration Department can make arrests after they have verified the status of the suspected illegal aliens who have no documentation
confirming their stay in the country.

Pedrealba reiterated that the BID regional office here was mandated not to harass foreigners in the region.

"On the contrary, we are here to assist foreigners residing in Region 3. We are here to protect them and their investments," Pedrealba said.