Highway Patrol Group Arrests Man Using First Lady’s Name
More than a year after his initial arrest for exploiting the name of First Lady Liza Louise Araneta-Marcos in an extortion scheme, Joselito Agtuca, 47, was again detained by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG). This time, officers apprehended him in Parañaque City for the unauthorized use of their vehicle’s blinkers. The arrest led to the discovery of a firearm and a plastic explosive.
Agtuca was caught alongside a man impersonating an undersecretary from the Office of the President, who also claimed to be a relative of the First Lady. Authorities have linked this duo to a broader extortion racket targeting businessmen.
Background on Previous Arrests and Extortion Scheme
According to a special envoy for Transnational Crime, Agtuca was among three suspects arrested in Pasay City last March. The group was caught demanding P5 million from a businessman, threatening to shut down his emission testing business if he refused to pay. During the operation, the suspects played a video showing a man posing as an undersecretary and relative of the First Lady.
The man in the video was identified as JJ Cafe Javier, who was detained with Agtuca during the recent HPG operation. Law enforcement has been pursuing Javier since last year when it was confirmed he was involved in similar extortion activities targeting businessmen in Cebu.
Details of the Recent Operation and Seized Items
The vehicle used in the recent incident bore the same distinctive blinker and protocol plate “12” linked to the suspects. Officers seized a 9mm pistol, a bulletproof vest, and a C4 explosive from the vehicle. The possession of such explosives is strictly prohibited for civilians.
Authorities are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to investigate how the explosive material was acquired. HPG director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta noted that the suspects failed to present any ownership documents for the vehicle when stopped.
“We are investigating because they appear prepared for armed confrontation and were carrying C4,” Matta said. A follow-up operation is underway after reports indicated that another vehicle fled the scene.
Legal Actions and Public Advisory
The suspects now face multiple criminal charges. Meanwhile, authorities urge the public to be wary of anyone using the First Family’s name to demand money. Instead, citizens are encouraged to report such incidents to the police for proper action.
“Huwag po kayong magpapadala sa mga ganitong modus na gumagamit ng pangalan ng First Family. I-report po agad sa pulisya,” a local official advised.
For more news and updates on extortion scandals, visit Filipinokami.com.