DOJ files extortion charges vs NBI lawyer, brother in ‘pastillas’ scheme

Robbery (extortion) charges were filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the chief of the legal section of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and his brother, an Immigration officer for allegedly demanding 1200,000 from another Immigration officer to clear him of involvement in the “pastillas" scheme, a special treatment accorded to selected foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the country smoothly for a fee.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed on Monday, Sept. 28, that charges of robbery/extortion and violation of Section 7(b)(2) of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees) were filed against NBI legal section chief Joshua Paul Capiral and his brother, Christopher John Capiral before the Manila Regional Trial Court on Friday, Sept. 25.

The Capiral brothers were arrested on Sept. 21 in an entrapment operation conducted by agents of the NBI’s Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) and were presented for inquest before the DOJ on Sept. 23.

The NBI operation was based on the complaint of Immigration officer Jeffrey Dale Salamde Ignacio, who claimed the brothers asked him for 1200,000 so he could be cleared from charges in connection with the “pastillas” scheme.

The DOJ resolution signed by Prosecution Attorney Honey Rose Delgado and approved by Fadullon and Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento recommended the conduct of a preliminary investigation on the violation of Section 5(h) and (k) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and violation of Section (c)(1) and (2) of RA 6713.

Ignacio and 18 other BI officers and personnel are facing a graft complaint filed by the NBI before the Office of the Ombudsman over their alleged involvement in the “pastillas” scheme.

“These IOs/IPs (immigration officers/ immigration personnel) allow foreign nationals entry in the country despite the absence of the necessary documents as required by prevailing Immigration rules and regulations in exchange of so-called ‘Pastillas money’,” the NBI said.

The grease money is reportedly hidden in a rolled bond paper resembling the wrapper of a milk candy called “pastillas” and given to the immigration officer on duty to facilitate the smooth entry of the undocumented alien.