6 towing firm workers jailed for mulcting P7k cash from mechanic

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MANILA, Philippines — Six personnel of a towing firm were detained after allegedly extorting money from a truck mechanic in Makati City on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, Makati police chief Col. Oscar Jacildo identified the suspects as Michael Jayson Rubia, 21; Dominic Ponayo, 38, Jonel Siega, 24, Diomedico Laurente, 48, and Jesus Canon Jr., 43.  A 15-year-old boy was also arrested but was later referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Jacildo said the suspects were arrested during an entrapment operation at Magallanes Interchange along Osmeña Highway in Barangay Bangkal at 3 p.m.

Police launched the operation after Dante Rivero, 45, truck mechanic, filed a complaint against the suspects who extorted P7,000 cash from him in exchange of his dump truck which was allegedly towed last July 21.

Recovered from the operation were P7,000 extortion money and the victim’s truck.

The suspects, except for the minor, are now detained at the Makati police while they will face charges of robbery extortion.

JPV