Capiral brothers undergoing inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice. They are facing extortion, graft complaints, among others over the ‘pastillas scheme.’ Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed before the Department of Justice a string of criminal complaints against its own official and his brother from the Bureau of Immigration for their alleged involvement in the so-called “pastillas scheme.”
Joshua Paul Capiral, legal assistance chief of the NBI, and his brother Christopher John are facing complaints for violations of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code for robbery (extortion), Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Executive Order 608 Establishing a National Security Clearance System for Government Personnel with Access to Classified Matters and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The brothers were taken by the NBI to the DOJ on Wednesday to undergo inquest proceedings.
An inquest is a summary proceeding where the suspect is being informed of his offense and the evidence against him. A suspect undergoes inquest if he was arrested without a warrant during a buy-bust or entrapment operations or caught while doing a crime or is an escapee.
The brothers were arrested in an entrapment operation by NBI’s Special Action Unit.