NABBED. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco (center) shows the photos of the three suspects who were arrested in General Santos City for name-dropping ranking police officials in their extortion schemes, in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Friday (June 28, 2024). Francisco said they are also looking into whether the suspects are a part of a bigger syndicate, as well as the possible involvement of ranking police officials in the scheme. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA – Police authorities nabbed three persons in General Santos City for using the name of Philippine National Police (PNP) officials in extorting money from illegal gambling operators in Mindanao.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said Jeffrey Sison and Neil Toledo, both from Pasig City, and Ralph Stephen Abrenica, of San Juan, Batangas, were arrested in a dragnet operation in city's Barangay Labangal on Thursday.
Francisco said based on initial information, the suspects used the name of Francisco and even PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil in their scheme.
They also demanded PHP2.5 million from each victim in exchange for "protection" for their illegal activities.
“We have information that this has been going for a long time and we are working on it. We are having a background check because we always get this kind of information -- using the name of the newly-appointed ranking officials of the PNP, and also ranking officials of the government," Francisco said in Filipino.
He said they are also looking into whether the suspects are a part of a bigger syndicate, as well as the possible involvement of ranking police officials in this racket.
"Our operatives in General Santos were surprised when they knew that they came from Luzon. So they thought the suspects were from Mindanao...I am warning the public not to follow in the demand of these personalities,” he said.
A complaint for estafa would be filed against the suspects. (PNA)
