DOJ ORDERS PROBE OF BI OFFICIAL FOR RELEASE OF ALIEN

THE Department of Justice ordered Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez
Jr. to investigate allegations that a Bureau of Immigration associate
commissioner had asked for the release of an undocumented Chinese possibly
involved in illegal drug trafficking. (See related story on page A3.)

Acting Justice Secretary Merceditas Gutierrez gave Fernandez 10 days to
submit his findings and recommendation on the alleged irregularity
committed by Associate Commissioner Teodoro Delarmente.

An "after-mission" report submitted to Fernandez by immigration
intelligence division operatives Ansari Macaayan, Maclin Lanton and Andrian
Mangondato stated that Delarmente asked for the release of Li Yong Cheng,
who was the subject of a legitimate operation covered by a mission order.

Li had been the subject of a 30-day surveillance owing to a Philippine
National Police report that he was operating an electrical supply shop,
which was being used as front for illegal activities.

The agents went to Li's shop in Caloocan City on June 26 to verify the reports.

When asked by the agents to show his passport and other documents, Li
reportedly failed to produce any and was consequently arrested.

Li's passport had reportedly expired in 2002 and he was an overstaying alien.

Delarmente, however, allegedly questioned the arrest and even scolded the
three agents for apprehending Li. He also ordered Li released.