Foreign 'kotong' victims told: Complain to BI

MANILA, Philippines - Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison on Monday urged foreigners and expats who are victims of police extortion to file formal complaints before the Bureau of Immigration.

He also urged law enforcers and other officials to show respect to foreigners so Filipinos abroad would be extended the same courtesy.

Mison said foreigners are also key to the country's progress as they contribute to revenues.

The immigration chief said this following Manla Mayor Joseph Estrada's statement in behalf of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila on the felonious acts committed in the capital.

Estrada said suspects of extortion "prey on tourists in trouble or dire circumstances."