MMDA man in Cubao held for P500 extortion

Within minutes after allegedly extorting P500 from a motorist, a traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority was arrested Thursday afternoon in Cubao, Quezon City.

Warren Mabbayad, 32, underwent inquest proceedings for robbery and extortion on a complaint from Anthony Santos, 34, an agent for a pharmaceutical company.

Cubao station commander Supt. Ramon Pranada of the Quezon City Police District said Mabbayad was apprehended around 1 p.m. Thursday at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Edsa’s southbound lane.

Santos was driving his Toyota Vios when the MMDA enforcer flagged him down in the area. Mabbayad cited the motorist for improper lane change and allegedly demanded P500 for him to let Santos go.

After Santos gave the money and was allowed to move on, he saw Pranada and his men conducting clearing operations against sidewalk vendors in the vicinity.

Told of the extortion, the police team accompanied the complainant back to Mabbayad’s post to make the arrest. Julie M. Aurelio