Nurse arrested for extorting P10-M from Sorsogon bishop

SORSOGON CITY, Philippines (Bicol Standard) - A 26-year-old nurse identified as Leo Fajardo Funtanares from Gubat, Sorsogon was arrested in an entrapment operation for extorting money from Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.

The arrest happened Friday morning at the Home for the Clergy in Barangay Bibincahan in this city, the Sorsogon Provincial Police Office told the Bicol Standard.

The police conducted an initial investigation on May 3, 2016 when Funtanares allegedly appeared at the bishop's office to confess that he and a priest identified as Fr. Antonio Sardo were in a relationship.

The suspect sought the help of Bastes to put an end to the supposed relationship and police said Bastes immediately acted on the information.

However, on May 13, 2016, the suspect allegedly returned and demanded P10 million from the bishop or he would go public about his relationship with Fr. Sardo.

On May 25, the suspect allegedly lowered his demand to P5 million.

Due to the persistent threats, Bastes decided to give the suspect P25,000 in cash on June 1. He told the suspect to come back in two weeks for the second installment.

On June 15, the bishop sought the assistance of the Sorsogon police and the suspect was caught in an entrapment operation.

Recovered from Funtanares were a mailing envelope containing P25,000; two short brown envelopes containing acknowledgement receipts signed by Funtanares dated June 1, 2016 and June 17, 2016; two mobile phones; and a driver's license.

He was brought to the Sorsogon City Police Station and a case of Robbery Extortion was filed against him on June 18.