LEGAZPI CITY – Two individuals who allegedly identified themselves as media practitioners were arrested during an entrapment operation in Barangay Balud Sur, Gubat, Sorsogon, for robbery by extortion on Wednesday, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported Thursday.
PRO-5 spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the suspects, identified only as "Aton" and "Netty," both residents of Bacon District, Sorsogon City, allegedly conspired to demand and extort money from amusement park operators.
The suspects initially demanded P10,000 from the operator and later escalated their demand to P30,000. The operator refused, citing financial incapacity, prompting the entrapment operation following intelligence validation and surveillance.
Recovered from the suspects were cellular phones believed to have been used in the offense, which will be subjected to digital forensic examination by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5 (RACU 5). Authorities also recovered P12,000 in marked money used during the operation.
The suspects were brought to Gubat District Hospital for medical examination before being turned over to Gubat Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Appropriate criminal complaints are being prepared for filing before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Sorsogon City. (with PNA)