Raps filed vs. 20 immigration personnel over 'pastillas' scam

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint against 19 Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel in connection with the "pastillas" scam or bribery scheme that allowed thousands of Chinese workers to illegally enter the Philippines.

A report by John Consulta on Unang Balita on Wednesday said the complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The kickbacks in the scheme, first bared by BI officer Allison Chong, reportedly ranged from P20,000 to P50,000.

"May prior list na ipapasa sa kanila, then yung list na iyon ng mga foreign nationals na papasok, i-spread dun sa counter, then papasok na ngayon mga foreigners, naka-designate dun bawat araw," said Emetrio Donggallo, chief of NBI Special Action Unit.

"Pagpasok ng foreigner may prior notice na, mabilis na. Wala nang screening halos," he added.

Among those named respondents in the complaint was a security guard of the BI at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who later on became chief of staff of Port Operations Division. He was allegedly the middle man in the scheme.

A private individual who owns a travel and tours company was also recommended charged for the crime of corruption of public officials, the NBI said.

The NBI recommended preventive suspension and removal from office for the 19 BI personnel.

"...after an exhaustive investigation by the NBI, the allegations of the whistle blower are meritorious albeit there is a need to conduct further investigation insofar as the other personalities mentioned in his statement is concerned," the NBI said Wednesday afternoon.

"Based on the evidence gathered, supported by photos and video recordings submitted by the whistle blower, Subjects in this case indeed committed criminal transgressions and should be held liable thereof," it said in a statement.

GMA News was still trying to reach the concerned BI personnel for their comment as of time of the report.

NBI director Eric Distor said the complaint covers only the first batch of respondents. "First batch pa lang ito, may mga kasunod pa. Hahabulin natin sila," he said.

The BI welcomed the NBI's recommendation, adding that it has installed more CCTV cameras in airports as part of efforts to "cleanse" its ranks. — with Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK/BM, GMA News