The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) thwarted a P5.1 million bribe attempt to release 17 Chinese nationals who were arrested in Parañaque for their involvement in scam operations. NBI Director Jaime Santiago disclosed that the alleged supervisor of the detainees offered P300,000 per person to secure their release.
The bribery offer was made as the detainees were being transported, with one of the suspects claiming he needed to call his lawyer. Instead, he contacted a higher-ranking individual who initiated the bribe offer. The NBI conducted a strategic entrapment operation, acting as though they were agreeable to the bribe.
According to the NBI, the supervisor initially delivered P1.5 million, intended to secure the release of five individuals as the first installment. The NBI monitored the suspect’s movements, allowing the vehicle onto NBI premises to execute a controlled arrest operation, leading to the apprehension of the supervisor.
Director Santiago affirmed this was the second time someone had attempted to bribe the NBI, emphasizing that the agency remains steadfast against corruption. All 18 foreign nationals, including the supervisor, have since undergone inquest proceedings.