Ombuds looks into alleged 'Kuratong' extortion

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas is looking into the veracity of the complaint filed by a group of brokers and importers in Cebu regarding the alleged harassment and extortion activities perpetrated by remnants of the dreaded Kuratong Baleleng Gang in the Port of Cebu.

The anti-graft office is likewise looking at the credibility of the news clipping which was attached to the unsigned complaint filed by the group Cebu Importers and Brokers Union.

Dr. Belle Quijano of the public assistance unit of the Ombudsman said that it is their mandate to receive complaint regardless of its form, substance and nature. She said the investigator who will be assigned to handle the complaint will conduct the verification as to the veracity and credibility of the complaint.

Quijano admitted that there are complaints filed before them that are just meant to harass performing public officials. She assured that harassment cases will never prosper and will be dismissed although it would take time because it has to go through the process of investigation.

The anti-graft office was earlier asked to intercede to stop the alleged harassment and extortion activities of the alleged remnants of the Kuratong Baleleng Group from Ozamiz City who are reportedly utilized as “hao-siao” employees of Enforcement Group chief Grace Tan in Cebu.

The complaint said that the group has been “milking” legitimate importers and brokers by issuing alert orders to their shipments claiming to have gathered derogatory reports about it.

However, these alert orders were allegedly just meant for harassment to force them to shell out money. The complainant attached a news article published by 24/7 News, a Customs weekly tabloid, which reported the alleged operation of the Kuratong Baleleng in the Cebu Port.

The tabloid report which did not have a clear source is said to be of questionable integrity since it is allegedly used as leverage by some unscrupulous people to extort money from Customs officials. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)