By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

SWINDLING. Pieces of evidence recovered from a man who was arrested on Feb. 23, 2025 after posing as a National Bureau of Investigation agent. The suspect extorted PHP10 million from a Chinese businessman in exchange for the release of 20 detained Chinese nationals. (Photo courtesy Southern Police District

MANILA – A man who posed as a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) employee was arrested after extorting PHP10 million from a Chinese businessman with a promise to release 20 detained compatriots of the latter.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin on Tuesday said the Pasay City police arrested 50-year-old “Crisanto” on Feb. 23 at an intersection in Tondo, Manila while driving his newly purchased sports utility vehicle.

According to a Southern Police District report, the 38-year-old complainant, Chen, handed over PHP10 million to Crisanto inside a seafood restaurant in Pasay on Feb. 20.

The suspect introduced himself as an NBI intelligence officer and offered help to release 20 Chinese nationals who were nabbed at an operation at a KTV bar in Parañaque City.

The suspect did not deliver on his promise to Chen.

Chen met Crisanto through two Bureau of Immigration employees, who later helped the police track down the suspect.

The police recovered PHP1 million in cash, part of the supposed bribe money to release the detained Chinese nationals.

The suspect is currently detained at the Pasay City Police Station while awaiting the formal filing of estafa charges and usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

Aberin urged the public to remain cautious and verify the identities of individuals claiming government affiliation.

“If something seems suspicious, report it immediately. Awareness and timely action are key in preventing fraud and ensuring public safety,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NCRPO arrested 241 persons facing various offenses during anti-criminality operations Monday and Tuesday.

Thirty-six anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the arrest of 52 suspects and confiscation of PHP6.3 million worth of narcotics.

Of 57 wanted persons arrested, 10 belonged to the Most Wanted Persons list.

In the campaign against illegal gambling, 117 gamblers were arrested and PHP29,385 bet money were confiscated in 47 operations.

A total of 6,482 were likewise apprehended for violating local ordinances, generating PHP1.9 million in fines. (PNA)