Authorities have arrested a traffic aide of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for allegedly demanding a monthly payoff from a tricking company in exchange for ticket-free operation in Port Area in Manila.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes said the operation that led to the arrest of 53-year old Rey Gaza stemmed from the complaint lodged by the owner of the trucking company.

Based on the complaint, the group of Gaza were collecting "payola" money amounting to P10,000 every month since 2019 to avoid inconvenience and to ensure the smooth operation of his trucking and transport service business.

An entrapment was immediately carried out by MMA intelligence agents and the Metro Manila police which resulted in the arrest of Gaza after receiving the P5,000 marked money.

“The MMDA is serious in cleansing its rank. As a matter of fact, the agency is continuously cracking down against corrupt employees as part of its intensified cleansing program to weed out erring personnel,” Artes stressed.

MMDA General Manager  Procopio Lipana, for his part, confirmed that he received a that Gaza was involved in extortion activities.

“When we were informed of the extortion activity, we immediately conducted an investigation and found out that it is true. We then convinced the complainant to file a formal complaint, after which the MMDA immediately coordinated with the NCRPO and requested for the conduct of an entrapment operation,” Lipana said.

Gaza is currently detained at the National Capital Region Police Office and is facing charges of robbery extortion and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.