MANILA - Outgoing Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to head the bureau for two years. 'Allow me then to express my gratitude to His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic, for the opportunity to serve under his Administration. The past two years have been filled with optimism, challenges and determination,' Tansingco said in a statement Wednesday. He said much-needed reforms have been initially implemented at the BI under his watch. 'Right at the get go, it has been a focused yet challenging effort to address the various concerns confronting the BI, such as controlling the borders at the international ports of entry and exit, and preventing Filipinos from being trafficked abroad, among others. Such a herculean task for an agency that is operating under a colonial-era legislation,' he said. He also thanked the bureau's personnel and officials of the Department of Justice for their support. 'To all the gallant men and women of the Bureau, I cannot thank you enough. Always bear in mind that, as public servants, you must continue to work solely for the interest of the public, over and above other interests. Be ever guided by the BI principles of Professionalism, Integrity and Patriotism,' he said. On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has designated BI Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado as officer-in-charge following Tansingco's termination. (PNA) Source: Philippines News agency