Immigration slams Xian Gaza's post as false, reviews actions against him

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration is looking into possible actions against fraudster Xian Gaza who posted a supposed “fake” story on his Facebook account detailing how he left the country last year.

Dana Sandoval, Immigration spokesperson, said that Gaza’s post that has made rounds in social media is a “cause of concern” and the bureau is looking into possible actions against him.

“Stunts like this using the Bureau to gain fame and stay relevant are a security risk. He is making a mockery of our airport procedures for attention,” Sandoval said in a statement.

The Immigration on Monday slammed Gaza for his post where he said that he was able to fly out of the country despite standing arrest warrants.

In June last year, a Malabon court convicted Gaza on violation of the Bouncing Checks law. He was sentenced to serve five years in jail, but Sandoval said that there was “no express order received directing the BI to prevent his departure.”

Sandoval also countered Gaza’s narration and explained immigration procedures.

If a person has a hit in the bureau’s derogatory database, such as an active hold departure order or warrant of arrest, Sandoval said that “they will be immediately be barred from flying out.”

The Immigration spokesperson said that there was no derogatory record, which includes HDOs or arrest warrants, on Gaza. She also denied the supposed conversation between Gaza and an Immigration officer.

“Since he had no derogatory record when he left, he was cleared for departure.  It was quite uneventful and ordinary, really. No Hollywood-level storyline, just regular immigration clearance,” the Immigration spokesperson added.

Sandoval also stressed that even if Gaza booked several flights—in his post, he booked three—the Immigration would know which flight he got on.

“Booking numerous flights will not help evade police. Everything is recorded in our systems, with one click you’ll know which flight a person really took,” Sandoval also said.

Sandoval said that Gaza has yet to return to the country. — Kristine Joy Patag