BI-7 legal officer arrested for “extortion”

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyer Serafin Abellon, the legal officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) 7, was caught in an entrapment operation yesterday morning inside the immigration office in Mandaue City for allegedly extorting money from an American.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - 7 Director Antonio Pagatpat said the arrest of Abellon was a joint operation by the NBI and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Manila.

He said that the foreign national, who refused to be named, asked their assistance after Abellon asked P25,000 in consideration for his application on the extension of his visa for his stay in the Philippines.

The foreigner paid P10,000 to Abellon two days ago. After the payment was made inside the Office of the Bureau of Immigration in Mandaue City for the remaining balance of P15,000, they arrested Abellon.

Abellon refused to give any comment.

The NBI filed yesterday criminal cases for extortion/robbery and violation of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Abellon before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

The American is married to a Filipina and stayed in Cebu for two years already.

In 2009, Abellon was also sued for graft and corruption and grave misconduct for allegedly extorting money from a Japanese, Hiroto Kijima, and his wife Roselyn of Tagbilaran, City. Reportedly, the couple went to the immigration office in Mandaue City on May 28, 2007 to apply for the probationary visa of Hiroto./ (FREEMAN)