13 BI officers face kidnap, extortion raps

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen officers of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) accused of kidnapping 16 Indians are facing criminal charges before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.

Complaints for kidnapping, arbitrary detention, grave coercion, robbery and extortion were filed against the BI officers on Monday.

According to the lawyer of the complainants, the Indian nationals were allegedly illegally detained for over a week despite having complete travel and working documents.

The lawyer said the victims even bargained with the immigration officers to lower the money being asked from them from P1 million to P350,000 each.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco stood by the 13 BI agents who arrested the foreigners in Antique and Iloilo.

Tansingco said the immigration officers conducted legitimate operations against the Indian nationals allegedly involved in the illegal “5-6” money lending scheme as well as kidnapping and drug trafficking.

The Indians said they did not violate the country’s immigration law as they had working visas.

Tansingco, however, said foreigners engaged in illegal activities in the Philippines should be arrested and deported regardless if they have working permits.