Woman claiming to be media representative arrested for grave coercion in Rizal
Handcuffs (File photo)
A 41-year-old woman who claimed to be a media representative was arrested after allegedly demanding a “mobility payment” from officials of the Rodriguez Municipal Hall and threatening to publish a negative report when her request for information was declined.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, the Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) said the incident occurred on Nov. 5 at the Rodriguez Municipal Hall along JP Rizal Street in Barangay Balite, Rodriguez, Rizal.
According to the investigation, the woman went to the municipal hall, introduced herself as a media representative from a publication, and requested information on the municipality’s accomplishments to be published in her news report.
However, the complainant, who is a lawyer, reportedly declined her request, explaining that the office already maintains an official account for publicity.
According to the complainant and other witnesses, the woman became displeased after her request was declined and insisted on meeting with the municipal mayor.
At the time, she allegedly demanded a “mobility payment,” threatened to produce a negative report against the municipality, and refused to leave the premises unless the payment was provided.
It prompted them to seek assistance from the authorities, which led to her arrest.
Meanwhile, the Rizal PPO said there is no official confirmation yet on whether the arrested woman is a legitimate media personnel or not, contrary to circulating social media posts claiming she is fake or pretending to be one.
Lt. Col. Arwyn Gaffud, Rodriguez Police Station chief, said the woman is currently detained.