At A Glance
- A 26-year-old man allegedly involved in the illegal collection of overpriced parking fees was arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) Special Mayor's Reaction Team (SMaRT) during a swift operation in Intramuros, Manila.
Photo courtesy of MPD
A 26-year-old man allegedly involved in the illegal collection of overpriced parking fees was arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT) during a swift operation in Intramuros, Manila.
The suspect was identified by the alias “Kano,” a resident of Baseco Compound, Manila.
According to the MPD report, the arrest took place while MPD SMaRT personnel were conducting a spotting and clearing operation at the corner of Magallanes Drive and P. Burgos Avenue, Barangay 658, Intramuros.
During the operation, the suspect charged a P150 parking fee to a covert vehicle used by the unit.
Unaware that he was already under ongoing validation, spotting, and clearing operations, the suspect continued his activities despite several complaints from motorists regarding excessive parking fees and alleged extortion in the area.
When asked to present a valid identification (ID) to prove that he was an authorized parking attendant, the suspect failed to show any document, prompting authorities to immediately arrest him at the scene.
MPD SMaRT Chief Maj. Edward Samonte stated that the operation was to put an end to the abuse of motorists, particularly illegal parking fees and roadside extortion, an order actively enforced by MPD SMaRT.
Police said the suspect’s modus operandi involved charging excessive parking fees depending on the type of vehicle, an illegal practice that was stopped through the unit’s prompt action.
Confiscated from the suspect were a ballpen, P300 in cash, an MTPB uniform, and a parking ticket booklet, which authorities are now investigating to determine how the suspect obtained the issued parking tickets.
The suspect is facing charges for Violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Authority and Official Functions) and is currently detained at MPD SMaRT headquarters.
Police reminded motorists that they have the right to ask for proper identification from any parking attendant charging more than the authorized parking fee set by the local government and to report such incidents to MPD SMaRT for validation and immediate action.