DOJ Acts on Illegal Arrests of Foreigners
November 10, 2004
The Department of Justice has cautioned the Bureau of Immigration to exercise due process in the arrest and detention of foreign nationals.
In a memorandum addressed to Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr., Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez issued a directive following complaints he received from several embassies that some of their citizens were arrested and detained without due process.
“In the interest of justice and human rights, it is directed that effective immediately, any foreign national arrested by the BI for whatever reason, and held in detention beyond 36 hours, their embassies shall be notified,” Gonzalez said.
Earlier, he received complaints from several embassies that they are not notified of their respective citizens’ arrest so their representatives and/or counsel may visit and interview them.
The Justice Secretary also required the bureau to furnish the Department copies of such arrests of foreign nationals, with information as to the nature of their case and status.
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