MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered an investigation into the possible cohorts of an alleged fixer who was recently arrested within the bureau’s premises.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said he has sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe as well the three Chinese nationals involved in the incident for the initiation of their deportation proceedings if they have committed immigration violations.

“We are coordinating with the NBI in this investigation to see if there are any cohorts inside the Bureau, and to strengthen protocols to prevent illegal fixers from extorting aliens,” Morente said in a statement on Sunday.

The move follows the arrest last Thursday of a law firm employee, identified as Vivan Lara, at the BI’s main office for alleged extortion of three Chinese nationals.

Lara was reportedly an employee of a law office accredited to transact with the bureau. But documents show that her personal accreditation already expired in January and that she is no longer authorized to transact with the BI.

Local media reports stated that Lara was arrested after allegedly receiving P900,000 marked money to process the passports and visas of the three Chinese nationals.

Morente said the arrested individual has been ordered barred from entering and transacting in any BI office, adding that a fact-finding committee has been created to look into the incident.

“We are also investigating the breach of security protocols inside the BI building, as she was able to enter despite her ID expiring last month, as well as use an office for her transaction,” he said.

“We had our men scan CCTV footage to look into possible accomplices of Lara, as well as ensure that the BI grounds are rid of fixers,” he added.

Morente also said that the accreditation of the Calalang Law Office, Lara’s alleged employer, has also been suspended indefinitely, pending the results of the investigation.

The BI stressed that it has strict protocols in place in allowing accredited entities to enter the building. Aside from an odd-even scheme for social distancing, they may only transact at designated windows.

“Only authorized personnel may enter offices. Unauthorized entry (of accredited entities) will merit revocation of accreditation,” he said.

Morente also noted that procedures, timelines and fees are found in the BI’s website at www.immigration.gov.ph.

“We are very transparent with our procedures. All fees are found in our website to prevent unscrupulous individuals from tricking aliens into paying exorbitant amounts for their application,” he said.

“We are beefing up our strict no fixers policy. We will not tolerate fixing of any kind. Any fixer caught by our men will be turned over to the police for the filing of criminal charges,” he added.

MANILA, Philippines — Tinapos na ng Makati Prosecutor’s Office ang preliminary investigation ng kasong rape with homicide laban sa mga nakasama ng flight attendant na si Christine Dacera nang araw na siya ay namatay.

Ayon kay Atty. Mike Santiago na abogado ng limang respondent, submitted for resolution na ang kaso kung saan hihintayin na lang ang desisyon ng investigating prosecutor batay sa naipresentang ebidensya ng magkabilang panig.

“This case is already submitted for resolution. Ito’y matapos na magsubmit ang most of the respondents ng kanilang respective rejoinder affidavits,” pahayag ni Santiago.

Inaasahang tatagal ng dalawang buwan bago mailabas ng piskalya ang resolusyon.

Sa pagdining ngayong Miyerkoles (February 17), wala nang karagdagang ebidensya na naibigay ang complainant at hinihintay pa rin nila ang report na ilalabas naman ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“Hinihintay lang naman namin ‘yong final word na manggagaling sa NBI kung meron man silang findings na iba or iko-collaborate lang nila ‘yong findings dito ng PNP. Either way ang kampo lang naman ni Mrs. Dacera ay naghihintay,” pahayag ni Atty. Jose Ledda, ang abogado ng ina ni Christine na si Sharon Dacera.

Maging ang Philippine National Police (PNP) ay bigo pa ring maibigay ang toxicology report.

Naghain lang ng rejoinder affidavits ang ilan sa mga respondent para sagotin ang reply-affidavit ni Sharon Dacera.

Naniniwala naman ang mga abogado ng mga respondent na madi-dismiss ang kaso dahil walang sapat na ebidensya o probable cause na magdidiin ang kanilang kliyente batay na rin sa medico-legal report ng PNP.

“Positive naman kami na walang matibay na…walang matibay na ebidensya na iprinisenta ang mga complainants maging ang PNP upang maging batayan sa pagsasampa ng anomang kaso,” pahayag ni Santiago.

Sa ngayon, ang tanging hangarin ng lang ng mga respondent ay ang malinis ang kanilang mga pangalan sa kaso. MNP (sa ulat ni Dante Amento)

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will look into the alleged manipulation of pork prices and supply.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra released the order appointing NBI Officer-in-Charge Eric Distor to head the investigation and case build-up. The DOJ also directed the NBI to submit a report within 30 days.

“If evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible thereof,” Guevarra stated in the department order.

Prices of pork and other food supply have soared triggered by the African Swine Fever outbreak and pandemic restrictions.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the imposition of a price cap on selected food items in public markets such as pork and chicken to stop the cost from rising further. AAC