By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – Five persons pretending to be journalists were arrested in Camarines Norte for allegedly extorting money from a carnival manager through threats and intimidation, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said Thursday.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. identified the suspects as “Ariel,” who claimed to be a reporter for an internet television broadcaster and is a resident of Trece Martires City, Cavite; “Noel,” 61, from Antipolo, Rizal; and three others known as “Rod,” “Rowel,” and “Angie,” all from Quezon City.
Babagay said the group posed as media practitioners to intimidate and exploit small business operators.
“This is a clear warning to anyone who dares to exploit the name of the media for extortion and intimidation. They will face the full force of the law. Your lies and threats will not protect you. To the public, never cower before these impostors who claim authority they do not possess. Stand up, speak out, and report them. With your courage and our resolve, we will put an end to their abusive schemes,” he said.
Based on the report from the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office, the victim, known by alias Danny, called the Jose Panganiban Municipal Police Station hotline on Wednesday to report that a group of men claiming to be reporters had approached him.
The suspects accused him of running illegal gambling activities and threatened to use their supposed influence with authorities to shut down his business if he refused to pay.
Out of fear, the victim initially gave the suspects PHP6,000. Unsatisfied, the group demanded more money, prompting the victim to alert the police.
Police set up an entrapment operation.
During the sting, one suspect was caught after receiving an additional PHP500 from the victim.
His companions attempted to flee but were tracked down shortly in Barangay Gumaus, Paracale, Camarines Norte. (PNA)
