Security guard nabbed for milking money from passport applicant

A 35-year-old security guard at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Mandaue City was arrested for allegedly demanding P3,000 cash from a woman applying for a passport.

Arnol Pepito, a native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, was arrested in an entrapment operation at the DFA office at the third floor of Pacific Mall in barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue.

The arrest stemmed from the complaint of Stephanie Lobiano, 27, of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.

The woman yesterday went to the DFA office to apply for a passport for her scheduled trip to Singapore next month. The woman is married to a Singaporean.

At the DFA office, Lobiano told police that Pepito of N.C. Lanting Security Agency offered to help her process her passport.

The security guard allegedly assured that the woman could get her passport immediately as long as she gives him P3,000.

Lobiano became suspicious and reported to the police.

Led by Senior Insp. Wilson Abot, members of the police station set up an entrapment operation.

Police said the security guard was arrested after he accepted P3,000 in marked money./CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA