By CESAR JOLITO III

A 38-year-old man accused of masterminding a series of extortion activities while posing as a police officer was arrested in an entrapment operation outside a hotel in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport on Saturday afternoon, November 29.

The suspect (name withheld), a resident of Barangay Morales, Koronadal City, in South Cotabato, was taken into custody at around 12:45 p.m. by joint operatives of the City Intelligence Unit, Bacolod City Police Office and Police Station 8.

According to police, the operation stemmed from complaints linking the man to 16 counts of robbery extortion amounting to a total of P700,000, as well as usurpation of authority for allegedly introducing himself as a police commissioned officer to pressure victims into paying.

Authorities set up an entrapment after validating the reports, leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest.

Recovered during the operation were three P1,000 bills used as marked money, 18 boodle P1,000 bills, a cellphone, and a vehicle.

The suspect is now detained as police prepare formal charges for robbery extortion and usurpation of authority.

The Bacolod City Police Office reminded the public to remain vigilant against individuals exploiting the name of law enforcement, stressing that those involved in such schemes will be held fully accountable./CJ, WDJ