DOJ monitoring Bonoan's travels 'in real time'

There is "real time monitoring" of the movements of resigned public works chief Manuel Bonoan, the Department of Justice (DOJ) assured the public yesterday, after he was reported to have flown to the US with his wife while investigations on corruption in flood control projects are ongoing.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

In an interview with reporters, DOJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo Martinez said that since Bonoan is already covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), his every movement abroad is being closely monitored by the Bureau of Immigration. The DOJ has jurisdiction over the BI. Martinez said the DOJ – through the BI - would continue to keep track of Bonoan's movements even if he leaves the US for another country or moves from one state to another within the US.

On Tuesday, the DOJ confirmed that Bonoan had departed for the US- ostensibly to accompany his wife who was to undergo a medical procedure. The DOJ said Bonoan will stay in the US until Dec. 17.

"For example, from the United States, if he transferred to another county or if he has movements within the United States, necessarily his passport will be stamped or marked. With that, we will have real-time monitoring through the Bureau of Immigration to the DOJ," Martinez said.