Radio announcer arrested for alleged extortion

CIDG operatives arrest on Thursday, November 7, 2019, Edison Mancera (wearing white), a radio announcer in Oriental Mindoro, for alleged extortion on operators of a “peryahan” in exchange of protection from the media. (Photo from CIDG)

MANILA, Philippines — A radio announcer was arrested Thursday by the police for alleged extortion of operators of a “peryahan” (amusement fair) in Oriental Mindoro in exchange for protection from the media.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect identified as Edison Mancera was arrested in an entrapment about 1:42 p.m. in Barangay Lalud, Calapan City.

The operation was jointly conducted by the CIDG Regional Field Unit in Mimaropa and the Provincial Field Unit in Oriental Mindoro, and the Calapan City Police.

Police said the entrapment stemmed from the report of a complainant on the alleged activities of the suspect, who also allegedly uses the names of other reporters to threaten his victims. This alarmed local reporters, prompting them to accompany the complainant to seek assistance from CIDG.

During the entrapment, police recovered from the suspect P5,000 marked cash, P5,000 boodle money, and two cellphones.

Mancera is now under the custody of the CIDG field unit in Mimaropa as charges are being readied against him.