MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the suspension of 18 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers and employees for allegedly extorting P9.2 million from South Korean nationals.
DOJ spokesperson, Undersecretary Markk Perete said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra issued an order for the suspension of 18 immigration personnel for 90 days, pending investigation on the charges against them.
“The Justice Secretary, after evaluating the sworn statements of the Korean nationals as well as the documentary evidence provided by the BI, found a prima facie case against said officers and employees for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” Perete said in a statement.
The order came after BI Commissioner Jaime Morente himself asked the DOJ to suspend the said immigration agents accused of extorting from 15 Korean nationals who were apprehended last March 6 in Angeles City, Pampanga for alleged overstaying.
The Koreans were allegedly forced to give out money which amounted to P9.2 million under threat of detention.
“The Secretary also ordered them to submit their respective answers within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt of the formal charge issued against them,” Perete said.
He added that the DOJ is currently evaluating the proper course of action as regard with the job order contractors who allegedly participated in the extortion incident.
In line with the probe, a fact-finding panel has also been formed by the BI to verify the allegations against its 18 personnel. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also conducting a separate probe for possible filing of criminal charges.
Usec. Perete said the BI agents may face dismissal from government service, depending on the findings of the investigation.
“If they are found guilty, they may be terminated from employment with loss of all benefits and prohibition from engagement in government,” Perete said. – Robie de Guzman
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