Military denies caught extortion suspects are soldiers

MANILA, Philippines—The military on Friday denied that the two persons posing as members of the Philippine Army and were arrested in Nueva Ecija early this week were part of its roster of troops.

“Per verification and as a result of the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] investigation, alleged Lt. Morales and his cohort are not members of the AFP,” said Major Emmanuel Garcia, spokesperson of the 1st Civil Relations Group.

The two were arrested in an entrapment operation on Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City early this week. They introduced themselves as First Lieutenant Darrel Silva Morales and Jose Angeles Suva Viola II, an enlisted personnel.

The suspects had AFP IDs, firearms, mobile phones and cash when they were arrested.

An entrapment operation was made after police received reports of extortion involving the two.

“Cases of robbery and usurpation of authority have been filed against the suspects. Said personalities are members of a larger syndicate and criminal group operating in Nueva Ecija,” Garcia said.

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