Security Detail of San Simon Mayor Under Scrutiny
The security detail of San Simon Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr., who was caught in an extortion case, reportedly included a Philippine Army soldier and five civilians carrying unlicensed high-powered firearms. Officials revealed that this discovery emerged after the mayor was entrapped on August 5 for alleged extortion and graft.
Sources identified the soldier as Domingo Suguitan Ramones from Isabela province, assigned to the 70th Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. The remaining security personnel were local residents of San Simon, according to community members.
Details of the Extortion Allegations
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an inquest on August 8, subsequently detaining the suspects for illegal possession of firearms. The complaint sheet indicated that Mayor Punsalan and his alleged external administrator, Ed Ryan “Doc Yang” Dimla, were caught attempting to extort P130 million. Of this amount, P30 million had already been advanced.
Both Punsalan and Dimla are currently held at an NBI facility located within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, as reported by local authorities.
Intimidation of Local Investors
NBI Director Jaime Santiago explained that Mayor Punsalan allegedly intimidated investors, particularly steel bar manufacturers in the town, by deploying armed men who brandished long firearms. This tactic reportedly pressured investors into compliance, raising concerns among business operators and community leaders alike.
Community and Official Reactions
Local officials expressed alarm over the involvement of a military personnel in the mayor’s security team, alongside civilians carrying illegal weapons. They emphasized the need for strict investigation and accountability to prevent further abuses of power.
Community members also voiced their concerns about the safety and integrity of local governance, calling for transparency and justice in the ongoing investigation.
For more news and updates on San Simon Mayor security detail, visit Filipinokami.com.
