Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the relief and dismissal of one of its agents involved in an entrapment operation conducted in Cebu.
The suspect, a 61-year-old BI agent was reportedly arrested by officers of the Philippine National Police Regional Police Office 7 (PNP-RPO 7) early evening of May 5 inside a restaurant along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City.
The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 43-year-old Korean national who alleged that the suspect was demanding protection money from him.
Authorities conducted an entrapment operation, during which the complainant, acting as poseur-victim, handed over marked money to the suspect. Upon receipt of the cash, the arresting team moved in and apprehended the suspect for extortion.
Recovered from the suspect were marked bills and money used in the operation.
The BI confirmed that the agent has been immediately relieved from his post, with administrative charges already initiated. His case has likewise been endorsed to the Civil Service Commission for the termination of his contract of service.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the agency will not tolerate any form of misconduct within its ranks.
“We will not allow a single erring employee to tarnish the integrity of the Bureau. This incident demonstrates that law enforcement entities and other government agencies are making an effort to stop individuals from abusing their authority,” said Viado. “We will ensure that justice is served, and move swiftly to remove those who exploit others,” he added.
