NBI: Probe shows there is ‘hierarchy’ of ringleaders running ‘pastillas’ scam

NBI Special Action Unit chief Emeterio Dongallo Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday said initial probe findings show a “hierarchy” of supposed ringleaders in running the so-called “pastillas” scheme, wherein immigration officers purportedly extort money from Chinese nationals in exchange for an easy entry into the country.

“Based po sa investigation natin, based po sa nakalap nating ebidensya, it seems na meron po na hierarchy talaga,” NBI Special Action Unit chief Emeterio Dongallo Jr. said during a Senate hearing into the multi-billion racket.

(Based on our investigation and evidence we have so far gathered, it seems that there really is a hierarchy.)

This further corroborates earlier statements whistleblowers that there is a “pyramid” structure in facilitating the scheme.

Currently, there are two whistleblowers testifying on the pastillas modus: Immigration Officer I Allison Chiong and Immigration Officer Jeffrey Dale Ignacio.

Both are physically present during Tuesday’s hearing.

“Sabi mayroong pyramid or struktura sa pastillas scam. Ibig sabihin may mga nasa tuktok na taga-utos, taga-basbas, may mga nasa ilalim yan na mga enforcer o mga tagapagpatupad,” said Hontiveros, who was presiding over the hearing.

(They said there is a pyramid, a structure in the pastillas scam. This means the one at the top are the ones making orders, under them are the enforcers.)

“Tapos sa pinakababa o sa base ng triangle, may mga foot soldier na sumusunod sa utos ng boss,” she added.

(At the very bottom, at the base of the triangle are the foot soldiers who are obeying the order of the boss.)

During the hearing, Chiong and Ignacio confirmed anew the “pyramid” structure.

Hontiveros then asked the NBI if their preliminary investigation showed a “hierarchy” similar to the claims of the whistleblower.

Dongallo answered in the affirmative.

Hontiveros said this confirmation from the NBI corroborated and had given weight to the claims of the whistleblowers.

“Mabigat ang ganyang findings so far sa ongoing investigation ng NBI. So hindi lamang sa ating mga whistleblowers [ang nagsasabi] pero kino-confirm din ng NBI na nagbibigay ng timbang sa kanilang (whistleblowers) testimonya,” the senator said.

(That gives weight, this kind of findings from the ongoing investigation of the NBI. So it’s not only the whistleblowers who are saying this but the NBI also confirmed their testimonies.)

EDV