THE Bureau of Immigration yesterday said it is now making use of online court technology to minimize the chances of foreign fugitives escaping from its custody.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said they have requested the courts to hold online hearings for foreigners under immigration detention who are facing charges, rather than the regular in-person hearing, to prevent a repeat of the incident last month where South Korean Na Ikhyeon escaped while attending a hearing in Quezon City.
Na was allegedly helped by several immigration personnel, several of whom have been sacked and charged before the Department of Justice.
The South Korean was later recaptured in Angeles City, Pampanga.
“Para po ma-prevent ‘yung opportunities na itakas itong mga foreign nationals na humaharap sa mga kaso (This is to prevent opportunities where these foreigners facing charges may be able to escape),” Sandoval told reporters.
Sandoval said the BI is grateful the courts granted their request for an online hearing.
Sandoval did not provide the number of foreigners under its custody with pending cases before local courts.
Last April 7, the Paranaque police arrested six suspects who tried to rescue a Chinese detainee of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology after attending a hearing in Makati.
