By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday cautioned anew the public against ‘fixers’ who offer assistance in exchange for fees.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente warned the people to ignore offers of unscrupulous individuals who “sweet talk their victims and promise immediate results”.
He issued the warning following the arrest of an alleged fixer in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday.
Reports revealed that a certain Brigeda Quijano, is now under the custody of Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) after allegedly receiving PHP150,000 to facilitate the release of a German national.
At the same time, Morente called on prospective Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) not to accept offers from so-called ‘escorts’ who would facilitate their illegal departure from the country.
He reported that two female victims were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Sunday afternoon after presenting fake documents to be able to illegally work in Dubai.
The victims claimed that their documents were given at the NAIA by airport employees they met through social networking website, Facebook.
On the other hand, the BI chief noted that they are currently investigating airport personnel that may be involved in escorting illegal migrant workers.
“Do not fall to the trap set by fixers, escorts, and facilitators and to report these individuals immediately,” Morente said.
He added that they have sanitized the immigration area at the airports to ensure that only authorized personnel may enter.
“We have streamlined our procedures to make it easier for the transacting public. Employing fixers is unnecessary, an added cost, and most probably get you in trouble,” the BI Commissioner said.
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