Advisory from the Phil Embassy

The Embassy has recieved complaints that some Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents assigned at the airports (NAIA I, II,and III) are allegedly using the requirement of Affidavit of Support or Letter of Invitation to pressure some outbound Filipino travelers into paying "grease" money before they would allow the latter to leave the country.

The Embassy has brought this matter to the attention has brought this matter to the attention of officials of the Bureau of Immigration. the Bureau has requested the Embassy to advise concerned Filipino travelers to submit(thru the Embassy) a formal complaint-affidavit addressed to:

Atty. Ronaldo P. Ledesma
Officer-in-charge
4th Floor, Bureau of Immigaration Building
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila

According to the Bureau, a complaint-affidavit must clearly identify the agent/s involved, the exact place where the incident occurred, and the time when it happened. It must also include a brief statement of the facts.

The Bureau assured the Embassy that as it acts on the complaints, it will simultaneously undertake measures to safeguard the rights and protect the identity of the complainant/s.

In a recent press release, the Bureau of Immigration announced that it had so far dismissed 39 employees from the service ans suspended 23 others for their alleged involvement in extortion activities and other abuses in the performance of their official duties.

The public's cooperation will be appreciated.