BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO & MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – A former member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was arrested in Barangay Sablogon, Passi City, Iloilo for extorting money from three barangay officials.
The 26-year-old “Jun” of Barangay Gibato, Dumarao, Capiz fell in an entrapment operation by the Passi City Police Station and the Intelligence Unit of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1.
According to Passi City police chief Lieutenant Colonel Benjo Clarete, a former village chief and two councilmen reported the alleged extortion activity of the suspect.
Clarete said the suspect allegedly approached the victims and told them they were subject to assassination.
In order not to be killed, “Jun” asked for P70,000 from each of the complainants.
“Naka-hatag na down payment ang mga biktima out of fear nga basi patyon sila. Pero lately, nag-decide ang mga complainants nga mag-report sa amon kag immediately gin-transact naton sya na mabayad ang mga complainants sang remaining balance,” Clarete told Panay News.
Recovered from the operation were one pistol-type homemade 12-gauge shotgun, one hand grenade, a sling bag containing the boodle money amounting to P27,500, and one motorcycle.
“We are calling basi may mga biktima pa ini sya sa iban nga lugar na pwede sila makakadto sa aton. I believe nga may mga victims sya nga wala nag-report sa police,” Clarete added.
Clarete further said that the suspect has a pending criminal case in Capiz province for robbery.
He will be charged with robbery through extortion, and violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or illegal possession of an unlicensed gun, and RA 9516, or illegal possession of explosives.
Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, director of the Police Regional Office 6, appreciated the accomplishments of his men in response to the complaints of the victims.
“The successful outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts of the police and the community in ensuring public security and upholding the law,” Villaflor said./PN
