MANILA, Philippines — Two men posing as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents were arrested for alleged extortion against a “perya” operator in Bulacan, authorities said on Thursday.
The BI identified the suspects as Timothy James Tibia and William Ang.
Tibia and Ang were arrested in an entrapment operation last March 26 in Pulilan town.
“Subjects demanded P200,000.00 as protection money and threatened the complainant that they will shut down the operation of his ‘perya’ if he will not pay the demanded money,” the NBI said in a statement.
The operatives were able to arrest Tibajia and Ang upon receiving the marked money from the complainant.
Recovered from Tibajia were NBI badge wallet, NBI security access pass and a Glock pistol.
Authorities further learned that Tibajia has an outstanding warrant of arrest for violation of the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act as well as car theft.
“Harassment is inflicted upon perya workers. Police officers, media men, and other enforcement agency personnel extort money from the owners,” Perya Industry of the Philippines Association (PIPA) said in a position paper submitted to a Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs in February.
“Don’t offer illegal games, it’s that simple. You will never be harassed when there is no reason to harass you,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.