Police hand cuff (File photo)
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested a city hall employee for allegedly extorting P847,982 from a business owner in exchange for renewing a permit.
Police identified the suspect only as Maria, 41, a resident of Barangay Batasan Hills.
The suspect was caught in an entrapment operation by the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) on Wednesday, August 13, at a fast-food chain along Matalino Street in Barangay Central.
Authorities said the incident began on Monday, August 11, when the victim received a text message from the suspect, who threatened to shut down her business over an expired Certificate of Exemption to Operate.
The suspect allegedly demanded P847,982 to “renew” the business permit.
The victim immediately sought police help, prompting operatives to stage the entrapment.
Authorities recovered a cellphone, brown envelope, P849,000 worth of fake money.
Police said the suspect will be charged with robbery-extortion and attempted estafa.
QCPD Chief Col. Randy Glenn Silvio urged residents to immediately report similar incidents.
“We thank the victim for reporting the case right away, which allowed us to stop this illegal activity. Extortion carries a heavy penalty, and we encourage the public to report any threats or suspicious acts to the nearest police station or through the emergency hotlines 911 and 122,” Silvio said.