Fireman faces extortion raps

MANILA, Philippines - A fireman was arrested during an entrapment yesterday for allegedly extorting money from a contractor.

Fire Officer 2 Jimmy Moralit, 33, of the Masambong fire station, allegedly demanded P20,000 in exchange for a fire safety certificate, according to Superintendent Michael Macapagal, commander of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 3.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said the suspect was arrested based on the complaint of contractor Elias Santos, 59.

Moralit was arrested during an entrapment at a canteen in Barangay Bahay Toro at past 11 a.m.  

Santos had already secured the requirements for the certificate, Macapagal said, when Moralit reportedly demanded money to issue the document.

Macapagal said policemen recovered from the suspect P10,000 in marked money.