Philippines: Immigration chief sacked over 'irregularities'
Loss of trust and confidence in Tansingco cited as reason for decision announced on Monday
Manila: The Philippine government has sacked Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco following allegations of irregularities within the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The decision was announced on Monday (September 13, 2024). Local media covering the Malacanang Palace reported that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed off Tansingco's dismissal, citing a "loss of trust and confidence" due to reports of visa issuance to fake corporations and the escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
Guo, a suspected cyberscam mastermind who was also elected Mayor of Bamban town, fled the Philippines two months ago amid a Senate investigation into her alleged involvement.
It was reported that Guo had already fled the Philippines on July 17 for Malaysia, and then traveled to Singapore, and finally to Indonesia, where she was arrested on September 3, 2024 and deported back to the Philippines on September 5.
She is currently detained in the Philippines under police custody.
POGO visas
In announcing the decision, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that he had raised concerns with Tansingco regarding the issuance of working visas to foreign nationals working for illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Despite these allegations, Tansingco reportedly failed to take action.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is placed under the supervision of the Department of Justice.
The BI has denied any involvement in Guo's departure. The bureau officials stated Guo and her companions left the country without undergoing proper immigration procedures.
Tansingco's dismissal comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into irregularities within the BI.
The government's action demonstrates its commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring the integrity of immigration processes.