DOJ investigating scheme...

Remulla said, adding they are ready to file disbarment cases against lawyers who use tactics to delay deportation proceedings.

Remulla clarified that he is not speaking on whether specific cases are made up or not but that, based on experience and logic, there have been schemes like this.

“We know that this is a modus operandi — a ruse [by] lawyers to stave off deportation ... we will file case against lawyers who [make up] cases to prevent ends of justice from being met,” he said.

Criminal ring run from detention?

The DOJ chief also said authorities confiscated cellphones from foreign nationals detained at the BI facility. One Japanese detainee had six phones, he said. “This is the subject of investigation within BI because these cannot be tolerated, this reeks of corruption,” Remulla said, adding it is “very possible” that criminal activities were run from the detention centers through the contraband phones.

“Luffy” is believed to be directing robberies in Japan from his detention cell in the Philippines.

He said BI personnel who allowed mobile phones into the detenction center will be dealt with severely for a “very serious breach of discipline” in the bureau.

Still, Remulla stressed that the government intends to deport the fugitives to Japan as soon as possible and even before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. flies there in early February.

“We expect all of these cases to be solved in the next few weeks and we will see how many we can deport before the state visit, he said.