Dismissed immigration agent arrested for scamming

Authorities arrested a dismissed immigration agent (wearing white) inside the Department of Justice premises on Tuesday, September 24, 2025. He was armed with an unlicensed gun and discovered to be a “scammer,” according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. | PHOTO: Luisa Cabato / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A dismissed immigration agent was arrested in the Department of Justice (DOJ) premises for scamming on Tuesday afternoon, the agency said on Wednesday.

In a press conference, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the suspect, who has a mental health condition, was presenting himself as an agent of the Bureau of Immigration despite his dismissal from the service. He was also carrying an unlicensed gun.

“Marami siyang kilala dito, alam na alam niya yung sistema. He has been dismissed from the service before, kaya may problema talaga,” Remulla said.

(He knows a lot of people here, he’s very familiar with the system. He has been dismissed from the service before, so there is really a problem.)

“He’s discovered as a scammer,” he added.

Remulla also said the suspect took a selfie with him on Tuesday.

“Kaya lang hindi tayo puwedeng mag-turn away ng tao dahil kultura natin dapat mabait sa tao,” he explained.

(But we can’t turn people away because it’s part of our culture to be kind to others.)

The suspect will face complaints for illegal possession of firearms.

Remulla did not say what fraudulent activity the suspect was involved in and what led to his apprehension.