Pampanga Mayor Detained After Alleged P100-M Extortion
Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. of San Simon, Pampanga, is currently held at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) facility inside New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. His detention follows an entrapment operation involving an alleged P100-million extortion attempt targeting a steel company.
The four-word keyphrase “Pampanga mayor detained at Bilibid” highlights the gravity of the case that has caught the attention of local and national authorities. NBI Assistant Deputy Director Noel Bocaling shared in a phone interview that the length of Punsalan’s detention will depend on the findings of the Manila prosecutor handling the inquest proceedings.
Legal Actions and Local Government Response
The NBI filed formal complaints against Mayor Punsalan for extortion and graft charges last Wednesday. Meanwhile, Punsalan’s lawyer, Raymond Viray, declined to comment, stating, “I have no authority yet to speak for the mayor or discuss his current situation.”
In the wake of the mayor’s arrest, Vice Mayor Josephine Anne Canlas stepped in as acting mayor on Thursday to maintain the continuity of local government operations. Araceli San Jose, Central Luzon director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), cited Section 46 of the Local Government Code of 1991 in a letter to Canlas. She explained that the vice mayor automatically assumes the powers and duties of the local chief executive when the mayor is temporarily incapacitated.
Entrapment Operation and Legal Clarifications
San Jose clarified that the arrest stemmed from an entrapment operation conducted by NBI agents on Tuesday around 5:30 p.m. at a restaurant within the Clark Freeport Zone. This operation, she noted, qualifies as a valid warrantless arrest.
Furthermore, San Jose emphasized that the DILG does not need to issue an official designation for Canlas to carry out the responsibilities of acting mayor during Punsalan’s absence.
Ensuring Stability Amid Legal Proceedings
Local leaders have expressed commitment to upholding governance and public service despite the mayor’s detention. Vice Mayor Canlas is expected to oversee municipal affairs and ensure that essential services continue without disruption.
The situation remains fluid as the Manila prosecutor reviews evidence and conducts inquest proceedings. The outcome will determine the next steps in the legal process and Punsalan’s future in office.
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