Philippine Immigration

The United States Embassy’s Office of Regional Affairs recently lauded BI Commissioner Marcelino C. Libanan and the rank and file personnel of the Bureau of Immigration for successfully thwarting a terrorist threat targeting the US Embassy and three other embassies earlier this year.

US Embassy Regional Affairs Counselor John “Chris” Wood cited the people behind the BI who “professionally and systematically supported efforts to prevent possible attacks on the US Embassy and other local and foreign domestic targets last February.”

It can be recalled that the BI deported Jordanian Moh’d Amro who allegedly plotted to blow up embassies in the Philippines. Amro was deported based on the testimony of fellow Jordanian Walid Abu Aisheh who alleged that the two of them, along with three other compatriots, conspired in the attempted bombing of the embassies of the U.S., Israel, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Police and army intelligence sources also reported that the Jordanians were also involved in plots to assassinate high-ranking government officials, including President Arroyo.

“We can’t thank BI enough for their support and cooperation in the counterterrorism investigation that threatened the security of the embassy,” said Wood. “The BI has consistently demonstrated its efficiency and dedication in preventing terrorism in the region.”

Libanan, who received the US Embassy’s plaque of appreciation, said that the BI remains one of the government agencies responsible in protecting us from such threats.

“Although our reforms at the BI have become more accommodating towards foreign investors, we will remain vigilant to make sure that no foreign visitors will pose danger to our national security,” he said. (BI News)