Police arrested a 43-year-old man in Las Piñas City after he allegedly attempted to extort money from a local councilor using threats made through Facebook Messenger, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Tuesday.
The suspect, identified only by the police as Michael, a trucking dispatcher and resident of Barangay Manuyo Uno, was arrested in an entrapment operation around 10:30 p.m. Monday in Pulanglupa Dos.
The operation was conducted by the Las Piñas City Police Station (LPCPS) Cybercrime Team following a complaint filed by City Councilor Macmac Santos.
Police said Santos received messages from a Facebook account using the name ‘PULPOLITIKO’ demanding money in exchange for not posting ‘false and damaging’ allegations about him online.
Investigators traced the sender and arranged a meetup where the suspect allegedly agreed to receive P2,000.
During the sting, police seized two marked P1,000 bills and P23,000 in boodle money along with a mobile phone believed to be used in the alleged extortion scheme.
The suspect is facing charges of robbery/extortion under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175), authorities said.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Ygay Arceo said in a statement that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Southern Police District to strengthen its cybercrime capability and enforce the law in digital platforms.
Arceo urged the public to immediately report similar cyber extortion attempts. /cb