3 traffic enforcers nabbed

Police arrested three traffic enforcers for extorting money from drivers of passenger jeepneys in Sampaloc, Manila during an entrapment operation yesterday.

Arrested were Edgar Labian, 39, of Hermosa street, Tondo; Jose Yanes, 32, of 2124 Batangas street; and Rafael Reyes, 39, of 314 Quirino street, Paco. Police said the suspects will be charged with extortion before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office.

Members of the Intelligence Unit of the Western Police District arrested the trio shortly after receiving P200 in marked money from an undercover agent, who acted as driver of a passenger jeepney plying Lacson Boulevard in Sampaloc.

The entrapment was conducted on orders of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza following numerous complaints from drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) on abusive traffic enforcers.

The undercover agent driving the passenger jeepney intentionally beat a red light at the corner of Lacson and España, and was flagged down by Labian.

Instead of issuing a citation ticket for the violation, Labian demanded P200 from the undercover agent.

Shortly after getting the money, Labian approached Yanes and Reyes, apparently to give them their share. It was at that point that intelligence agents pounced on the suspects. – Cecille Suerte Felipe