BI chief raises alarm on new modus victimizing OFWS wishing to depart

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) against fake immigration officers offering to facilitate their departure from the country in exchange for money.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the agency has sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in going after these fixers pretending to be immigration officers.

The new modus, according to Morente, was discovered after the agency received a report sometime in December regard a Filipino worker who wanted to depart to Dubai under a tourist visa, but was intercepted at the airport.

Morente said an immigration officer who introduced himself as “James” approached her and offered to escort her for a fee.

Based on the report, James claimed that he was assigned as an immigration officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and had the capacity to allow the victim’s departure.

She initially transferred P7,000 through Gcash, and P28,500 through bank transfer to the suspect.

She again later transferred P39,500 upping her total transfer to P75,000 and attempted to depart but was intercepted again.

“The victim tried to ask for her money back from the suspect but he made excuses about it,” Morente said.

Upon verification with BI’S records, Morente said the suspect was not on its list of employees.

“I am unable to disclose the details of the said fixer but we received intelligence information yesterday [Wednesday] about him. We already have his identity,” Morente said.

“I have instructed our Travel Control and Enforcement Unit and Intelligence Division to coordinate with the NBI and ensure that this person faces the harshest penalties of the law,” he assured.

In light of the incident, Morente cautioned OFWS from entertaining offers of fixers and extortionists.

“They are sweet-talkers that will entice you to attempt to work illegally, but we have already measures in place to prevent that from happening. Report any fixing and extortion attempts to the police to make sure that they are arrested and they are prevented from victimizing other people again,” Morente said.