8 Tarlac NBI Officers Relieved — Alleged Extortion and…

8 Tarlac NBI Officers Relieved — Alleged Extortion and Sexual Harassment of Beauty Clinic, Victims and Public Asked to Come Forward

📌 On October 12 (Monday), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag asked victims and citizens to come forward regarding the alleged extortion and sexual harassment against a beauty clinic by eight personnel of the Tarlac (TARDO) field office, who were relieved of their posts. Earlier, on October 6 (Tuesday), the NBI said it had recalled all Tarlac field office personnel and replaced them, launching an internal investigation.

■ Background of the Case
· Tarlac field office agents recently conducted a crackdown on a beauty clinic, claiming it was not qualified to administer cosmetic injections. Director Matibag said the clinic was a legitimate small business.
· According to the director, there are allegations that undercover agents pressured a nursing student to administer a cosmetic injection and then carried out the crackdown as an entrapment operation, and that when they demanded money from a female owner and she could not pay, they proposed sexual favors in exchange.
· These allegations have not yet been proven.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The eight individuals, including the field office chief, were summoned to NBI headquarters in Pasay City, where they are awaiting reassignment without posts and under investigation. The Internal Affairs Service is conducting the probe.
· The director said the victim's family is reluctant to file a complaint out of fear, but the investigation will continue. The names of those involved and the amount demanded have not been disclosed.

■ Advisory for Residents and Travelers
· If you are asked for money on the spot under the pretext of a crackdown, do not comply. Verify the person's agency and name, then report it to that agency's headquarters.
· If you run a business, keeping your business permits and qualification documents ready in advance reduces the chances of being harassed.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/6, 10/12), Philstar (10/6) — The number of relieved personnel (8), the beauty clinic, and the circumstances of the sexual harassment allegations are confirmed by one source only (Daily Tribune)