DOJ exposes bribe offer over Clark arrests

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II disclosed the other day that there were bribe attempts to release all of the arrested 1,316 Chinese nationals who were discovered working without a permit in Clark, Pampanga.

“I have been told that there have been efforts to offer as high as 1200,000 per head in exchange for the release of those apprehended,” said Aguirre in a statement.

Despite this, the secretary assured that the government will not be swayed and will pursue to prosecution of those arrested and those behind their stay in the Philippines.

“But we will not be deterred! We will be uncompromising in our fight against crime and corruption!” said Aguirre.

Government authorities led by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested the Chinese nationals early morning last Thursday at the Fontana Leisure Park and Casino in what was described as a call center-like operation suspected to be a front for online gambling.

“This is truly a major, major blow to people who employ illegal aliens in the country,” boasted Aguirre.

I have been told that there have been efforts to offer as high as 1200,000.00 per head in exchange for the release of those apprehended. But we will not be deterred! We will be uncompromising in our fight against crime and corruption!” added the Secretary.

Referred to as “Oplan Fountain,” the operation conducted by the BI and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was finalized during a meeting held at Aguirre’s office at the DOJ last November 21.

“Expect more arrests as we have secured a search warrant to break open the locked facilities,” he assured.