Two persons allegedly extorting money from vendors were arrested in an entrapment operation set up by police in Manila, Tuesday morning.
Manila Police District’s Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (MPD-SMART) identified the suspects as Vilma Cortez, 48, a resident of Tondo, Manila and Jeffrie Solomon, 37, of Dasmarinas, Cavite.
The duo’s arrest came after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno warned those involved in illegal truck parking and extortion activities.
Operatives of MPD SMART under Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr. conducted the entrapment at the corner of Blumentritt Road and Felix Huertas Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, around 8:45 a.m..
Moreno said the arrest came after he received a complaint that the suspects are engaged in extortion activities.
“Maraming salamat sa ating mga kababayan na nagse-send ng information using social media, kaya po kung marami pa kayong alam sa mga pang-aabuso na ginagawa sa inyo ng mga indibidwal, i-send niyo lang po sa amin sa messenger,” the mayor said in a press conference at the Manila City Hall.
“We will protect your identity. We will validate your information. We will act accordingly,” he added.
Cortez said that she had been demanding P30 from vendors for outsourced “cleaning operations.” She also admitted that she makes P25,000 from her extortion activities.
The suspects are now detained at the MPD SMART while charges of robbery-extortion, grave coercion and usurpation of authority will be filed against them. (Erma Edera)
