Extortionist arrested in Binondo; policeman accomplice under manhunt
Photo courtesy of the Manila Police District
A 69-year-old man allegedly involved in a robbery-extortion scheme targeting businessmen in Binondo was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District–Station 11 during an entrapment operation, while his supposed police accomplice remains at large.
The suspect was identified as Eduardo Chua, who claimed to be a market researcher and a resident of 354 Gunao St., corner Arlegui St., Quiapo, Manila, according to a report from MPD-Station 11 Commander Lt. Col. Inocencio Richard Villanueva.
Chua was nabbed at around 8:15 p.m. inside a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant along Juan Luna Street, Plaza Ruiz, Binondo, where the payoff was allegedly set.
MPD Spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said Chua was charged with Violation of Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code (Robbery-Extortion).
His alleged cohort, a policeman assigned to the CIDG Eastern Metro Manila District Field Unit is now the subject of a police manhunt.
The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 44-year-old Chinese-Filipino property manager based in Binondo, who claimed he was being extorted.
Recovered from the suspect were P200,000 in marked money, bundled in two stacks, and a cellphone believed to have been used in the illegal transactions.
Authorities disclosed that Chua had been the subject of similar complaints from other Binondo-based businessmen.
He allegedly used a bank account under his name to facilitate the extortion activities, reportedly with the help of the fugitive policeman.
Maj. Ines urged other victims to come forward and formally file complaints against the suspect as the investigation continues.