Cebu, Philippines – A Bureau of Immigration (BI) agent assigned in Cebu has been removed from his post and is now facing permanent dismissal after being arrested in an alleged extortion case. The action came after an entrapment operation led by police in Mandaue City, where the 61-year-old agent was caught receiving marked money from a foreign national who had accused him of demanding protection money.
According to a press release from the Bureau of Immigration, the arrest took place on the evening of May 5 inside a restaurant along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. The report said the operation was carried out by officers from the Philippine National Police Regional Police Office 7 after a complaint was filed by a 43-year-old Korean national.
Complaint Led to Entrapment Operation
The BI said the case started when the Korean complainant reported that the immigration agent had been asking for money in exchange for protection. Acting on the complaint, authorities organized an entrapment operation to verify the allegation and catch the suspect in the act.
During the operation, the complainant served as the poseur-victim and handed over marked cash to the BI agent. Police then moved in immediately after the money changed hands and arrested the suspect. Authorities also recovered the marked bills and other money used in the operation.
The arrest added weight to the complaint and triggered swift administrative action from the immigration bureau.
BI Starts Administrative Action
Following the arrest, the Bureau of Immigration said the agent was immediately relieved from his post. Administrative charges have already been initiated, and the case has also been endorsed to the Civil Service Commission for the termination of his contract of service.
This means the matter will not stop at the criminal complaint. The BI is also moving to remove the agent from government service through administrative channels.
Viado Warns Against Misconduct
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will not allow abusive or corrupt behavior to damage the bureau’s credibility. He stressed that one employee’s alleged wrongdoing should not stain the entire institution.
The BI chief also said the case shows that law enforcement and government agencies are taking steps to stop public officials from abusing their authority. He added that the bureau intends to move quickly against personnel who exploit others for personal gain.
The incident is the latest reminder that complaints against erring officials can lead to both arrest and removal from service when backed by evidence.