NBI nabs LTO fixer

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently apprehended a man who was reportedly posing as an employee of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in an entrapment operation.

Head Agent Ferdinand Lavin of the NBI-Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTRAD) said they filed estafa and usurpation of authority charges against Danilo Verano of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

The arrest was based on the complaint filed by Proceso Sepulveda of San Mateo, Rizal before the NBI-AHTRAD.

Case officer Special Investigator III Roland Demetria said Sepulveda told his nephew that he was having problems registering his vehicle, a Ford Fierra, at the LTO.

The nephew reportedly recommended Verano, an LTO employee, to help him register his vehicle. They met at a fastfood store near the LTO office along East Avenue, Quezon City.

Verano allegedly promised to register Sepulveda’s vehicle within two weeks but initially demanded P4,000 as payment for his services last June 9. On June 22, he asked for additional P3,000 and on July 21, another P6,500.

Sepulveda gave Verano a total of P13,500.

When Verano reportedly asked money again, Sepulveda became suspicious and sought the NBI-AHTRAD’s assistance.

They were supposed to meet on July 28 for the fourth payment amounting to P5,600 but was reset for Aug. 2 at the same fastfood store.

After Sepulveda handed over the envelope containing the marked money, NBI operatives approached their table, introduced themselves and accosted Verano.

The charges against Verano were filed on the same day.

Verification at the LTO revealed that there was no Danilo Verano in their official list of personnel, Demetria said.