2 Customs officials nabbed for alleged extortion in entrapment operation

Authorities nabbed two Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials for alleged extortion in an entrapment operation in Manila.

According to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, the suspects were identified as appraiser Zosimo Bello and examiner Bong Seletaria.

During the joint entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and BOC, the officials were arrested after the complainant handed the marked money amounting to P30,000 at a Harbor View Restaurant in Manila.

The complainant said even though they were importing agricultural machines with proper and legitimate documents, the officials were still asking for monthly bribe money or “payola” to make the process go smoothly.

“Ang ginagawa nitong mga officials allegedly hindi hino-honor yung document at instead i-facilitate ng mabilis hinaharang so alam na natin yun na ang modus neto ay para maabala, mag-give in sa request nila na financial consideration” Atty. Jun Donggallo, regional director of NBI special projects team, said.

The Customs said the arrested officials were previously reported to the bureau by an importer for extorting P300,000 in exchange for the release of their shipment.

This led to the BOC immediately directing an entrapment operation against the officials.

The arrested officials denied the allegations and claimed that the complainant was asking for help to lower the taxes.

They will face charges for robbery, extortion and graft and corrupt practices.

“Aalalayan natin ang lahat ng mga nabiktima at aalamin ang kasabwat ng ating mga inaresto kung meron man para matigil ang ganitong klaseng panloloko para sa ating mga gipit na kababayan,” NBI director Eric Distor said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News