THE Bureau of Immigration has strengthened its partnership with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to boost intelligence gathering and enhance inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding the country’s borders.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the partnership follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in line with the government’s whole-of-nation approach to national security.
“Border control is national security. By working closely with NICA, we ensure that every piece of intelligence is maximized to protect the Filipino people and uphold the integrity of our borders. This partnership sends a clear message that those who attempt to exploit our immigration system will be met with a stronger, united front,” the BI chief added.
Viado further explained that collaboration with NICA is vital, given the agency’s frontline role in border management.
“Immigration officers are considered the first line of defense at the country’s international ports of entry and exit, tasked with preventing the entry of undesirable aliens, fugitives, and other individuals who may pose a threat to public safety and national security,” he said.
Viado added that strengthening intelligence coordination ensures that immigration officers are better equipped with timely and accurate information to fulfill this mandate.
As part of the enhanced partnership, Viado, together with Division Chiefs and office heads of the BI, attended a high-level briefing with NICA, where they were briefed by NICA-NCR Regional Director Dennis Godfrey Gammad, along with other key officials of the intelligence agency.
