Towing firms’ crew nabbed for demanding illegal fees

Three employees of a towing company were arrested by the police on Tuesday for allegedly demanding a towing fee from motorists in Makati City on Tuesday evening.

Police identified the suspects as Nestor Morano, Edgardo Banania, and Elmer Balanoyos, all employees of Bernadine Towing Inc.

A police report stated that they demanded P9,500 from unnamed complainants for illegal towing services.

READ: MMDA tells public: File report on illegal towing incidents

The suspects reportedly threatened to impound the complainants’ vehicle in Marikina – which would cost them  P14,000 – if they do no pay the fee, the report added.

Unknown to the suspects, the complainants sought the help of a radio station to notify authorities, which later conducted an entrapment operation.

Other complainants surfaced after the arrest of the Bernadine Towing crew, saying that they fell for same modus operandi of another company, NJP Towing Inc.

Police identified the other suspects as Jesus Cañon Torrenueva, Jose Dario Del Rio Jr., and Rodrigo Santos.

Cases for violation of robbery or extortion with intimidation and Republic Act No. 6539 as amended by RA No. 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 will be referred for inquest proceedings at the Makati City Prosecutor Office against the suspects. /ee 

READ: MMDA, Metro mayors agree on stricter guidelines for towing companies