CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Eight individuals who posed as media practitioners and allegedly extorted money from a business owner were arrested on Monday, July 18.
Chief Master Sgt. Jason Paguio of Calamba City Police Station (CPS) told the Manila Bulletin that they got a call from a perya (fair) owner requesting for police assistance on the day of the incident.
The suspects allegedly presented themselves as news reporters and media staff and threatened to have the owner's business closed down if he does not pay them.
Calamba CPS identified the suspects as Anne Cortez, Efren Dela Cruz Regaza, Eric Florez Floro, Benjamin Olino Javier Jr., Rose Marie Malazarte, Theresa Dela Cruz Regaza, Christoper Angeles Yu, and Rodamy Llamazares Prado.
Recovered from the suspects were several fictitious identification cards and suspected extortion money amounting to P4,000.
Upon investigation, authorities also found that the suspects were the same group provided false information to the Philippine National Police through the e-Sumbong portal.
In a statement, Laguna PPO Chief Col. Cecilio Ramos Ison Jr. commended the Calamba CPS for accosting the culprits for taking advantage of citizens to make money.
The suspects are now under the custody of Calamba CPS and are facing charges of robbery extortion, usurpation of authority, and concealing their true identity.