JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has designated Rogelio Gevero, the chief of the Bureau of Immigration’s Regulation Division, as the officer-in-charge of the agency, replacing Commissioner Jaime Morente.
In a department order dated July 4 that was made public yesterday, Remulla authorized Gevero to discharge the powers and mandates of his new position, in addition to his existing duties and responsibilities.
“The OIC shall perform and discharge the duties and responsibilities of the office until 31 July 2022, or until a replacement has been appointed or designated, whichever comes first,” Remulla’s order said.
“This Order takes effect immediately, amends all previous inconsistent issuances, and shall remain in force until sooner revoked,” the order added.
Remulla, in his first flag-raising ceremony as DOJ chief last Monday, identified the BI as among the sub-agencies that needed help due to corruption.
He lamented the presence of syndicates at the bureau involved in “extortion and human trafficking and protection,” adding this is said considering the BI is a frontline agency of the government.
Last year, two former immigration officials-Deputy Immigration Commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles-were convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder and graft for extorting P50 million from Chinese gambling lord Jack Lam in 2016.
