Two men posing as traffic enforcers from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) were arrested by police after extorting money from motorists in Tondo, Manila, Tuesday.
Police identified the suspects as Noel Silva, 37,and Jay-V Gantang, 36, both residents of Tondo.
Investigator PO1 Narciso Ignacio said police were conducting an anti-criminality operation along Jose Abad Santos Avenue when a concerned citizen told them that the suspects had been flagging down motorists only to extort money from them.
The two suspects, who were wearing MTPB uniform, were caught in the act of directing traffic in the area by responding policemen at around 1:20 a.m. near the corner of Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Mayhaligue Street in Tondo.
When police accosted them, the suspects failed to present any valid MTPB identity documents.
It was learned that the suspects were also arrested in 2018 during an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a truck driver in Tondo.
Silva and Gantang were detained at the Moriones Police Station and charged with violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code or usurpation of authority before the Manila Prosecutor’s office. (Erma Edera)