Philippines
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'Nabudol sa padulas?': QC Hall employee nabbed for 'under the table' business permit transaction
'Nabudol sa padulas?': QC Hall employee nabbed for 'under the table' business permit transaction
A businessman coughed up more than P2.5 million cash before he finally realized that he was being duped by an employee of the Quezon City for the supposed fast and glitch-free permit for his pet food shop and a warehouse.
On the third attempt to demand additional P1.7 million, that was that time that the 47-year old Chinese-Filipino trader decided to seek the assistance of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and later resulted in the arrest of the suspect.
NCRPO director Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. identified the suspect as Joel Aquino Avila, 56, supervisor of the QC Engineering Office, and resident of Sun Valley Subdivision, Cogeo, Antipolo City.
The victim narrated that he sought the assistance of Avila for the processing and obtaining a building permit, business permit, zoning, and certificate of exemption for the warehouse of his pet food business.
He said he first deposited two checks amounting to P1.5 million to the bank account of Avila’s wife as payment.
in October 2022, he said Avila demanded another P1.1 million for the Certificate of Exemption, which the complainant again deposited into the account of the suspect’s wife.
“Despite the deposits, no documents were provided, and subsequent attempts to contact the suspect yielded no response,” said Nartatez.
On March 15 this year, the suspect again demanded P1.7 million, allegedly for the City Council's assistance in reclassifying the zoning for the issuance of a Certificate of Exemption, later reducing the demand.
The demand was later reduced to P700,000.
“Threats were also made regarding the processing of documents if the amount was not paid,” said Nartatez.
The victim then went to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the Quezon City Police District which led to the arrest of the suspect at around 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in Barangay Vasra, Quezon City.
Nartatez lauded the QCPD led by Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan for the quick assistance to the victim which led to the arrest of the suspect.
“The swift action of our operatives resulted in the apprehension of the suspect. We would like to remind the public that in situations where you feel threatened or coerced into paying money unlawfully, do not hesitate to reach out to your police force,” said Nartatez.
“Rest assured that NCRPO will act upon your reports as we remain steadfast in our commitment to arrest criminals, including those involved in robbery and extortion,” he added.