By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, Jan 11 (PNA) -– Mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned today that he will personally arrest agents of the Bureau of immigration (BI) if they continue to harass and demand money from aliens living and doing business in Davao City.
The mayor issued the warning following complaints from Indian medical students that BI agents are harassing some of them even asking money of up to P5,000.
While he has no proof of the allegations, Duterte said it was not the first time he heard about BI agents activities. In the past incidents, he said this was already a practice.
Duterte however asked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to immediately investigate on the matter and submit a report by Wednesday, January 14. The mayor also wants CIDG to investigate Dr. Ashin Mohan, who was also accused by the Indian students of harassing them.
If there is truth that there was money involved, Duterte said, it involves extortion or robbery.
“I hope it has stopped. Lay off!” he quipped. Duterte urged BI to exercise transparency in dealing with aliens whether they are Indians, Chinese, Koreans and Indonesians.
“If you want something out of the aliens – send somebody to advise them to go to your office. You to do it the proper way invite them to your office in open view. Do not investigate nga kamo lang naa sa kwarto (that you are the only one in the room),” he said, adding that it is not only for BI but all other government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BoC).
“Better stop if that is the practice. I would insist on what is right and legal,” he added.
The mayor emphasized that Davao City is progressing and many investors are opening their businesses in the city. “Ayaw ninyo guba-a (Do not ruin. Do not be an obstacle or hinder the progress of the city by giving it a bad image,” he stressed.
Duterte said the city government has worked its way to improve the city that even the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have distanced themselves trying to avoid fighting within Davao area. Likewise, the city maintained good relations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that have been helping the city what it is today.
For sure, Duterte said, the students have papers except if they are fugitives that BI can call them in a proper way.
The mayor also urged businessmen to do business in the city legally. “Kung dili mo motuo sa balaod either pahawa mo (If you do not obey leave the city) or you render yourself being prosecuted,” Duterte warned. (PNA)