The Bureau of Immigration has warned foreign nationals against persons claiming to be immigration agents asking them for money in exchange for their continued stay in the country.
Immigration OIC Commissioner Siegfred Mison issued the warning after learning about reports that certain people claiming to be BI intelligence operatives have been going around, harassing, and threatening foreigners with arrest and deportation
While Mison said his office is still verifying the reports, he nonetheless alerted foreign nationals about the scheme so they would know that such is illegal and unauthorized.
“It is obvious that these unscrupulous people are trying to take advantage of the transition in the bureau to make money from their unsuspecting victims,” he said in a statement. Mison has been heading the bureau in an acting capacity after Immigration commissioner Ricardo David Jr. quit last week over irregularities.
Mison said those involved could either be errant BI personnel or just posers who want to make a profit.
Mison urged any foreigner who had been approached by the group to immediately report the incident to his office through the bureau’s email address at xinfo@immigration.gov.ph and its Facebook and Twitter accounts. He vowed to hold those responsible liable and have them prosecuted.
“We have not issued any directive authorizing our agents to conduct operations since Commissioner David resigned last week,” said Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief.–MM
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Photo: Photophilia
