An official of a Batangas community environment and natural resources office (CENRO) was caught allegedly demanding P7 million in exchange for the issuance of an alienable and disposable land certificate, the police said on Monday.
In a statement, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the arrested official as ‘Rommel,’ the officer-in-charge of the Calaca City CENRO.
He was entrapped last Thursday afternoon at the CENRO’s office for alleged violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to robbery-extortion, according to the CIDG.
‘The operation stemmed from a complaint of a male victim that the suspect allegedly demanded a total of P7,000,000 in exchange for the issuance of an alienable and disposable zone certificate,’ the CIDG explained.
‘Allegedly, the official demanded a P1 million initial payment or else, no certificate will be issued. Thus, the complaint and subsequent law enforcement operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest,’ it added.
A certificate of alienable and disposable land affirms that a parcel of land can be privately owned.