LTO-7 deputized agent nabbed for extortion

A DEPUTIZED agent of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a motorist whom he cited for a traffic violation in Cebu City.

Engilbert Caumeran, 36, a member of Task Force Alpha, was arrested in an entrapment operation in a gas station in V. Rama Avenue last Tuesday night.

Barellano denied any wrongdoing.

The arrest stemmed from the complaint of Antonio Barellano, 39, a resident of barangay Cantuod, Balamban town, Cebu.

Barellano said Caumeran apprehended him for drunk driving in Echavez Street last Saturday night. Barellano also presented an expired registration of his motorcycle.

The complainant said Caumeran jot down his motorcycle’s plate number, took his cell phone number and went home.

The complainant said Caumeran contacted him  last Sunday to settle his traffic violation.

Barellano said the suspect told him that the violation could cost him P15,000 if he settles it himself with the LTO-7.

Barellano said the suspect demanded P8,000 from him and he will settle his violation at the LTO-7.

Barellano then sought help frmo the Cebu City police’s City Intelligence Branch (CIB).

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, CIB chief, said Caumeran was arrested after he accepted P8,000 from the complainant.

Raul Aguilos, LTO-7 regional director, ordered the termination of Caumeran as a deputized  LTO-7 agent./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON WITH CORRESPONDENT TWEENY M. MALINAO