Legal Tools to Keep Illegal Aliens Out of the Philippines
The case of Alice Guo opened Pandora's box on the menace brought by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities in the country. Lately, we've been hearing news about raids on POGO hubs that are involved in crimes like sex trafficking, kidnapping, and all sorts of scams. In light of this news, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that erring aliens involved in illegal POGO operations could face "extreme" measures.
Meanwhile, Geronimo Law founder Atty. Russell Stanley Geronimo, in an interview, presented a range of tools to ensure national security and protect public safety.
“Blacklisting, deportation, extradition, raid, entrapment, arrest, hold departure order, bank account freeze order—these are just some of the tools in the legal arsenal to keep illegal and undesirable aliens out,” Geronimo said in an interview.
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“Blacklisting is our first line of defense,” the lawyer explained. "By placing individuals on a blacklist, we prevent them from entering the country right from the start. This measure is crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring that potential threats are kept at bay."
The lawyer stressed on the importance of deportation for those who have already entered the country. "Deportation involves legally removing individuals from the Philippines and ensuring they cannot return. This process is coordinated with immigration personnel to ensure it is as efficient as possible."
When unwanted foreign nationals are sought for crimes in another jurisdiction, extradition not only ensures their removal from our country but also places them in the jurisdiction where justice can be served. He says this is a critical part of our national security strategy.
The law expert also shared insights into the methodologies employed by enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities. "Raids, conducted in coordination with law enforcement agencies, allow us to apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities. Entrapment, though more controversial, is effective when done within the bounds of the law. By setting up controlled environments, we can catch these individuals in illegal acts, providing irrefutable evidence for their prosecution.”
A hold departure order prevents individuals from leaving the country, ensuring they remain within the jurisdiction to face legal proceedings, Geronimo said. Freezing their bank accounts disrupts the financial activities of these individuals, effectively hindering their ability to fund illegal operations. These actions are essential for controlling both the movement and financial resources of undesirable aliens.
According to Geronimo, through a combination of legal expertise, strategic planning, and close collaboration with authorities, the country can ensure that the illegal aliens who pose a threat to our nation are effectively managed and removed.
