New BI chief warns name-droppers

MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Bureau of Immigration Commissioner (BI) Ronaldo Geron yesterday warned unscrupulous individuals against using his name in illegal activities.

Geron issued the warning as he has yet to warm his seat in the bureau.

He said on his first day in office on Jan. 7, he received a report that his name was dropped by individuals assuring illegal foreigners staying in the country of protection.

“On my first day at the bureau, word came out that I was going to have the 168 mall in Divisoria raided and by 1 p.m. there were no longer Chinese vendors in the area. By early evening, there were people claiming that they are close to me and assuring (these Chinese) of my protection,” Geron said.

He said Indian nationals from his province in Batangas were not spared.

According to Geron, someone approached the group of Indians and promised protection through connections with the new immigration chief.

Airport shakedown

Meanwhile, the BI is looking into a video posted on Facebook showing an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) being robbed and harassed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The OFW, who flew in from Dubai, was not allowed to leave by three BI personnel – a man and two women – because he bears the same name as another person, who is allegedly a murder suspect from Bulacan.

The OFW is said to be from Sta. Rosa, Laguna.