Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 9)
The LED aims to provide the Commissioner with qualified and competent personnel to perform security and immigration law enforcement functions related to the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended. It enhances the Bureau's capability in investigating, arresting, and neutralizing suspected international criminals and threats to national security.
The LED is created pursuant to Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), in relation to Section 3 of Commonwealth Act 613, known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, specifically under Book IV, Chapter 4, Section 20 (3) of EO 292.
The LED comprises three units: (A) Operation Unit (OU) which implements lawful orders including warrants of deportation; (B) Security Unit (SU) responsible for counterintelligence in ports, managing the Bicutan Detention Center, and protecting against sabotage and subversion; and (C) Administrative Unit (AU) which handles administrative and logistical support.
The Immigration Commissioner exercises overall authority in all matters within the Bureau's jurisdiction, including enforcement operations. The Secretary of Justice exercises supervision and control over the Bureau of Immigration.
The LED's creation was influenced by the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, the Migrant Workers Act, the Human Security Act, and the Philippines' assent to various UN Conventions and Protocols on global peace and security.
The Operation Unit serves as the implementer of lawful orders such as mission orders, commitment orders, warrants of deportation, and similar writs against foreigners including fugitives wanted in their countries of origin.
The Security Unit is responsible for counterintelligence activities at airports, seaports, and sub-ports, control and supervision of the BI-Bicutan Detention Center, and other counterintelligence measures to protect facilities, documents, and guard against security threats including complicity with undesirable aliens.
The LED's personnel are to be sourced from existing personnel of various divisions, sections, and units of the Bureau of Immigration through appropriate Personnel Orders issued by the Commissioner.
The Order shall take effect immediately upon adoption with copies to be filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).
All department orders, circulars, issuances, or memoranda inconsistent with this Order are amended or modified accordingly as per the Supersession Clause.