MMDA constable held for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was arrested in Malibay, Pasay City yesterday for allegedly posing as a police officer and extorting money from a motorist.

Members of the Philippine National Police Counter Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) arrested Emilio Guinto in front of a drug store along EDSA at around 9 a.m. after he received P5,000 in marked money from one of the complainants.

CITF commander Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr. said the operation against Guinto stemmed from the complaints of two employees of a gaming company in Pasay.

Guinto on Thursday allegedly flagged down a Toyota Grandia van driven by one of the complainants for being a colorum vehicle.

The suspect, who reportedly introduced himself as a police officer, demanded P5,000 in exchange for not impounding the vehicle.

The driver then called the other complainant, also an employee of the gaming company, who then promised Guinto they will produce the money.

The suspect was unaware the complainants already lodged a complaint before the CITF, Caramat said.

Guinto is facing charges of robbery extortion and is detained in the CITF’s office at Camp Crame.