BI chief alarmed by reports of cops extorting money from tourists
MANILA, Philippines — The head of the Bureau of Immigration has asked law enforcers to treat with respect foreign visitors following reports that some policemen in the cities of Manila and Makati extorted money from tourists from the Middle East.
Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison expressed alarm on Monday over the complaint of the Saudi Arabian Embassy to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada regarding the alleged extortion activities of policemen from the city as well as Makati.
The complaint was conveyed by Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdullah Al Hassan during a recent courtesy call on Estrada.
Based on earlier reports quoting Estrada, the policemen’s modus operandi was “to prey on tourists in trouble or in dire circumstances.”
“To be respected in other countries, Filipinos must [set an] example by [showing] respect and care for foreigners who visit our tourist areas and at the time contribute revenues to the national coffer,” Mison said in a statement.
One complaint alleged that policemen in Malate, Manila, arrested Saudi nationals Mustafa Abdullah Al-Shanquity and Fuad Abdullah Almohsin over “spurious criminal accusations.”
The lawmen then demanded money from the foreigners in exchange for their release.
Mison also expressed dismay over reports received by his office that at least one tourist has been robbed in Ermita, Manila, every day over the past months despite the presence of tourism policemen in the area.
He said he also received information that a ranking Manila police official suspected police officers in the area of coddling thieves who preyed on tourists.
Mison, meanwhile, advised officials of the Manila Police District to order policemen assigned in Ermita to conduct regular patrols, especially at night, to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents within their area of jurisdiction.
At the same time, he reminded foreigners who were victimized by “kotong cops” to file a formal complaint with the Bureau of Immigration’s satellite offices.
