The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will file multiple charges against a fake immigration officer who was involved in the kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals living in the country.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the statement after receiving information that the police are investigating a certain “Marion Badando” for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of four foreign nationals.
Authorities said that Badando presented himself as an immigration officer and a lawyer, and remains at large after being tagged as part of the kidnapping syndicate.
“We have received reports that this individual has been using the name of the Bureau of Immigration to extort foreigners. We are studying filing cases against him and his cohorts to serve as a warning not to besmirch the agency’s name,” he added.
Tansingco emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that such actions not only harm the victims but also tarnish the reputation of the Bureau of Immigration.
“The integrity of our institution is paramount. We will not tolerate any actions that undermine the trust placed in us by the public and our stakeholders,” he stated.
Tansingco disclosed that a thorough review of the Bureau’s records confirmed that Badando is not, and has never been, an employee of the BI.
“Our internal checks have validated that this person has no official connection with the Bureau, and his claims are entirely fraudulent,” he affirmed.
He advised individuals to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a BI employee through official channels. «We urge the public to remain cautious and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately,» Tansingco urged.
