by FFE PH News Staff

Amid Reports of police extortion, Philippine Immigration commissioner calls for greater protection of foreign Nationals.

Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison has just asked Philippine law enforcers to treat foreign nationals with courtesy and respect. He also asked the Manila Police District to tighten security in their area of jurisdiction to ensure the safety of tourists.

This request came on Monday as a reaction to reports that said some foreigners have been extorted for money by law enforcers in Manila and Makati.

During his courtesy call to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdullah Al Hassan revealed his concern over alleged extortion activities by certain policemen in Manila and Makati. One complaint was that two Saudi nationals were arrested in Manila over ‘spurious criminal accusations’ and were then demanded to pay for their release.

Mison added that his office received at least one robbery complaint in Ermita, Manila every day over the past months. He also expressed concern over a report that said a ranking Manila police official has been protecting thieves that target foreigners in the area.

The commissioner said ‘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.’

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) advises those who have been victimised by ‘kotong cops’ to file a complaint in any of their satellite offices. BI also reminds foreign nationals residing in the country to apply in the new system of alien certification registration to streamline requests.