2 BI execs told: Explain P50M extortion try on Jack Lam

Sombrero

The Bureau of Immigration will be asking its associate commissioners to explain amidst allegations that they extorted P50 million from online gaming operator Jack Lam.

A source said the two officials have been asked to air their side on claims that they extorted P50 million for the release of 1,316 Chinese nationals arrested in Clark, Pampanga, last month.

“BI commissioner Jaime Morente said, ‘Let us give the two associate commissioners a chance to air their side on this serious allegation,’” said the informant.

The BI has two associate commissioners: lawyers Michael Robles and Al Argosino, who were appointed last August.

Sought for comment, BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said the agency will not make any formal statement on the issue yet.

Inquirer columnist Ramon Tulfo, in his column on Saturday, alleged that two BI associate commissioners extorted P50 million from the Macau-based Lam.

Lam owned the illegal online gambling facility in Clark, Pampanga, which the BI raided last month.

During the operation, the BI arrested 1,316 Chinese nationals who were charged with overstaying and violating the conditions of their visa.

In his column, Tulfo alleged that the BI officials received the huge amount from ex-police official Wally Sombero, in exchange for the release of 600 out of the 1,316 Chinese nationals who didn’t have employment visas.

Sombero is now in the protective custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

It may be recalled that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II himself accused Lam of bribing him to release the Chinese nationals, who are now undergoing deportation proceedings before the BI.