Traffic enforcer falls for extortion

CEBU, Philippines – A traffic enforcer of Cebu City Traffic Operations Management was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for extortion along Governor Cuenco Avenue, barangay Banilad yesterday afternoon.

Nicasio Emnace, 44, of San Vicente, Liloan town and a former member of barangay intelligence network, was arrested by NBI operatives during an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from traffic violators.

In a report over dyHP yesterday, the entrapment operation was conducted following several reports received by the NBI on the alleged extortion activities by Emnace from traffic violators. According to the complaints, Emnace received P100 to P300 from traffic violators as a way to settle their violations.

The latest complaint came from a motorist (name withheld) that prompted NBI agents to conduct the operation.

Past 3 p.m. yesterday, an NBI agent acted as decoy pretended to violate the traffic rule.

Emnace apprehended him and after receiving the P300 cash, the NBI decoy signaled his fellow agents to arrest the traffic enforcer.

During questioning, the suspect was found positive of the fluorescent powder from the bills.

On Monday, a robbery extortion charge will be filed before the Ombudsman against Emnace, who is now detained at the NBI stockade. — Niña G. Sumacot/LPM (THE FREEMAN)