MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has added 35 individuals to its monitoring list for their alleged involvement in questionable flood control projects, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

Viado confirmed receiving an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on September 3, directing immigration officers to strictly monitor the movements of the listed individuals.

The order stemmed from requests by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and Atty. Rodolfo Noel Quimbo, Director General of the Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management (BROOM), in line with the Senate inquiry on irregular flood control projects under the “Philippines Under Water” hearings.

Citing the ILBO, the BI said the measure was issued “in view of the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, given that there is a strong possibility that the individuals named may attempt to evade legal processes by leaving the country.”

Viado clarified, however, that the ILBO is for monitoring purposes only and does not bar subjects from leaving the Philippines. Immigration officers are required to coordinate with concerned agencies to check for fresh court or hold departure orders should the subjects attempt to travel.

Among those covered by the ILBO are Alex and Raymond Abelido, Cezarah Discaya, Ma. Roma Discaya Rimando, Allan Quirante, and 30 others.