BI to probe extortion vs Indian Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has ordered an investigation into alleged multimillion-peso extortion activities of their operatives in some provinces in the Visayas against Indian Filipino citizens.

“The BI management does not tolerate any kind of corrupt practices amongst its ranks,” Immigration chief Norman Tansingco said in a statement Friday. 

“We have initiated an investigation on this matter and are welcoming information from concerned individuals on reports against erring personnel.”

He ordered an investigation following reports that Immigration authorities extorted money from 19 out of the 33 Indian Filipino citizens arrested in Iloilo last February. The 19 individuals purportedly paid P350,000 to the Immigration operatives.

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The Immigration operatives allegedly called to meet with representatives of the Indian Filipino community to relay their intention to collect P50,000 each from its members so they would be exempt from future operations of the BI. 

Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the report had already reached the attention of the BI. 

“We have yet to receive a copy of the official complaint, but the Commissioner has initiated an investigation upon receiving such information,” Sandoval said. 

“His office does not tolerate the use of names of officials in extortion activities.”