MANILA, Philippines – Immigration officers who have been receiving death threats from human trafficking and illegal recruitment syndicates will be provided police protection.

The Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) detailed 21 police officers to serve as escorts to BI officials due to death threats from anonymous callers and texters.

In a press statement, Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he could not take the threats lightly because he knew he stepped on the toes of many people when he reshuffled recently immigration officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and other airports.

Ledesma said the police escorts will extend 24-hour protection.
 
Atty. Felino Quirante Jr., BI administrative chief, is one of those who will have a police escort.

Quirante said he also receives death threats from angry callers and texters and “poison” letters.
 
“We are just doing our job. It’s time we impose discipline and professional work ethics within the rank and file,” Quirante said.

The BI had launched an intensified campaign against human trafficking in compliance with a directive from Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
 
De Lima ordered Ledesma to purge the bureau of corrupt employees and confidential agents and reshuffle the bureau’s airport personnel who connive with syndicates that recruit and facilitate the departure of undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
 
The alleged death threats against BI officials persisted after Ledesma terminated the services of 350 confidential agents and other government personnel previously detailed with the agency.
 
He also dismissed 39 employees and suspended 23 others for grave misconduct and other administrative offenses that were filed against them.