Five LTO Employees Nabbed for P200,000 Extortion Attempt
Five employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from the Cagayan Valley regional office were arrested Monday during a sting operation for allegedly attempting to extort P200,000 in exchange for releasing an impounded vehicle, officials reported.
The entrapment took place at the Baldovi Terminal Compound on Sulacan Street in Barangay Banggot, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, according to police reports released on Tuesday. Authorities caught the suspects while they were collecting the marked extortion money as part of the operation.
Details of the Arrest and Suspects
The five individuals, identified by their aliases Khain, 29; Abhel, 35; Hacob, 36; Munding, 39; and Totoy, 42, are all LTO-Cagayan Valley employees. Police Major Randy Velarde, chief of Bambang police, revealed that the victims, whose names are withheld for security reasons, provided affidavits to the Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office.
According to the victims, they initially agreed to settle at P25,000. However, the demand later escalated to P40,000 and eventually the full P200,000 for the release of the van, local leaders noted.
Evidence Seized
Aside from the marked cash used in the entrapment, authorities confiscated an additional P40,000 in cash from the suspects. They also recovered a .45-caliber handgun, a Glock 9mm pistol, ammunition, a sachet of suspected shabu, and other personal belongings.
Community members said the suspects remain in police custody as charges for robbery-extortion, illegal possession of firearms, and violations of the anti-drug law are being prepared.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue their investigation into the incident, emphasizing their commitment to rooting out corruption within government agencies. The successful entrapment operation serves as a warning against illegal activities involving public officials.
For more news and updates on extortion cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
