Fake MMDA employee nabbed for extortion
MANILA, Philippines — A businessman posing as an employee of the Metropolitan Development Authority under the office of MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana was arrested in Quezon City on Wednesday for allegedly extorting money from a vehicle owner.
Jacob Arellano, 36, was apprehended by operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)’s criminal investigation and detection unit in a fast-food restaurant.
QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre said Arellano was the subject of a complaint from a woman who owns a Toyota HiAce van, which was impounded by the MMDA on April 27 for being a colorum vehicle.
The victim told police he received a call from Arellano, who introduced himself as a member of Lipana’s staff and allegedly demanded P15,000 in exchange for the release of the vehicle.
The victim met with Arellano on April 30 and gave the suspect P7,500 and another P7,500 on May 16.
She reported the extortion to police.
The QCPD, together with MMDA officers, conducted an entrapment operation, resulting in Arellano’s arrest.
The suspect is facing charges of robbery, extortion and usurpation of authority before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. – Ghio Ong
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