The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against 19 Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel before the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the controversial pastillas scheme.
Among those who will be facing charges are Grifton San Pedro Medina, Deon Carlo Albao, Fidel Mendoza, Abdulhafez Dela Tonga Hadjibasher, Gabriel Ernest Mitra Estacio, Ralph Ryan Macahilo Garcia, Phol Bendaña Villanueva, Abdul Fahad Guro Calaca, Danilo Caro Deudor, Mark Dollete Macababad, Aurelio Somera Lucero Iii, George Bituin, Salahudin Pacalda Hadjinoor, Chevy Chase Reyes Naniong, Jeffrey Dale Salameda Ignacio, Hamza Usudan Pacasum, Manuel Brillante Sarmiento III, Cherry Pie Payabyab Ricolcol, and Er German Tegio Robin.
Private citizen and owner of a travel and tours company Liya Wu was also charged of corruption of public officials.
A whistleblower exposed the conspiracy in an investigation conducted by the NBI between some BI personnel and officers in accepting bribe for the entry of some foreigners despite insufficient documents.
BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said the “BI welcomes the recommendation of the NBI to file cases against BI personnel and they be given opportunity to defend themselves in the proper forum.”
“We are one with the campaign of the government to get rid of corruption and make those erring personnel accountable before the court of law,” Mabulac added.
– Report from Kenneth Paciente
