MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to expand its detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City to improve conditions for foreign detainees awaiting deportation.

At the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday (15 May 2024), BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval announced the construction of two new three-story buildings to replace the existing one-story facility.

“We will expand the area. We are also looking at having a new area, a new facility, but I can’t speak on that yet because there is no finality,” Sandoval said. “It’s in the pipeline already for this year and next year.”

Sandoval emphasized the need for a new facility, noting that nearly 300 detainees are currently housed in a space designed for just over 100 people.

“We want a decent detention center with basic amenities like showers and a kitchen. But the main issue is space. Once we have a larger area, it will greatly improve the habitability,” she explained.

Sandoval also mentioned that the BI has no immediate plans to relocate the detention facility.

“We are considering new areas for our facility. Camp Bagong Diwa is very secure because it is within a military camp, which is a significant factor for security. We must ensure the new location is secure and free from suspicious activities,” she added.

Regarding the budget for the new facility, Sandoval stated there are “no exact figures yet.”

In related news, the BI reported the arrest of five foreigners allegedly involved in illegal abortion activities in Pasay City on May 13.

Vietnamese national Trinh Dinh Sang, also known as ‘Doctor Sang,’ was arrested at a wellness clinic along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay City. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police–Pasay City, followed reports that Sang was involved in illegal procedures, including cosmetic enhancements and abortions.

Also arrested were two other Vietnamese nationals, Nguyen Duy Quynh, 67, and Pham Thi Nhu Hieu, 28, as well as two Chinese men, Xie Jun, 36, and Zhai Jian Gang, 43.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said that operatives posed as clients seeking cosmetic treatments. Upon confirming the presence of illegal aliens, they proceeded with the arrests.

Sang and his accomplices will remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending the resolution of their deportation case.

(el Amigo/MNM)