April 23, 2012

        Three Land Transportation Office (LTO) traffic enforcers and two civilian companions were arrested for alleged extortion during an entrapment in Batangas City last week.

      The suspect were identified by NBI Officer-In-Charge Atty. Nonnatus Caesar R. Rojas as:

      BARTOLOME S. ATIENZA, 52, team leader,

      MERMAR G. MERCADO, 35, traffic enforcer;

      JOSEPH A. DILAY, 42, traffic enforcer, all of the Land Transportation Office in Batangas City. assigned in the area; and

      REDENTOR M. SILVA; and FELIX A. CONDUCTO JR., both civilian operatives.

      The NBI-CALABARZON Regional Office headed by RD Rustico Q. Vigilia, disclosed that the case arose from a complaint of NBI Agent Adeodato Logroño that the suspects after having extorted from his truck helper, Bonnie Magulod, P5,000 and demanded P2,000 monthly protection money. This is to insure the passage of the delivery truck in Batangas City area without being apprehended.

      Magulod also received repeated text messages from them demanding the monthly protection money. An entrapment operation was planned with the assistance of NBI Cavite District Office (CAVIDO) agents. On April 18, 2012, the operation pushed through leading to the arrest of the suspects who were brought to the NBI Batangas office.

      Charges for Robbery/Extortion and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were filed against the suspects before the Inquest Prosecutor of Batangas City.