The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently investigating more than 40 individuals for their alleged involvement in the “pastillas” scheme or a modus allowing the entry of Chinese nationals into the country by bribing local immigration officials.
The NBI said more people will be included in the list as the investigation continues.
NBI Special Action Unit chief Emetrio Dongallo disclosed that they are also looking into the possible contact of the involved personnel with the Ombudsman.
New whistleblower and Immigration Officer Jeffrey Dale Ignacio revealed that he was offered a bigger amount of money in exchange for being a foot soldier.
“Ako po ay napasali sa Pastillas Group noong fourth quarter ng 2017. Nawala ang augmentation pay namin at ako po ay namroblema financially (My involvement with the Pastillas Group began in the fourth quarter of 2017. We lost our augmentation pay and I was financially troubled),” Ignacio confessed.
“Nakatanggap ako ng mensahe mula kay Villanueva na inaalok ako na sumama sa kanila. May screenshot ako dated June 15, 2017. Makakatulong daw sa akin financially ‘pag sumama ako sa kanila sa arrival (I received an offer from Villanueva to join them. I have a screenshot dated June 15, 2017. They said it would help me financially if I join them at the arrival),” Ignacio added.
The witness also tagged Red Mariῆas as the leader of the group. Mariῆas was absent in the hearing. He has already been subpoenaed the by committee. – Report from Eunice Samonte
