Architect arrested for extortion

An architect in dire financial straits tried to pull a fast one on his neighbor, a Valenzuela City paper factory executive, by posing as a member of the Sparrow Unit, the New People’s Army’s liquidation squad.

Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango, Northern Police District director, said that Glendo San Juan, 49, an architect, and a resident of Barangay Paltok, Mecauayan, Bulacan was arrested in an entrapment operation at around 9:30 p.m.

San Juan’s arrest came after Jaime Parilla, a supervisor at LAMPCO Paper Products Inc. in Barangay Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City, sought police assistance after receiving "revolutionary letters" from an alleged member of the NPA’s Sparrow Unit, threatening to hurt him or his family unless he shells out P100,000.

Parilla told Valenzuela City police chief Superintendent Billy Beltran that he received the first extortion letter last Dec. 28, but he just ignored it. At around 11:30 a.m., Thursday, he again received the same letter addressed to his office at LAMPCO.

The letter gave specific instructions where and when Parilla should drop the money. Fearful of his and his family’s safety he sought the help of the police.

The NPD cops led by Senior Inspector Arce Yam-oc, in cooperation with Marilao, Bulacan police chief Superintendent Edwin Quilantes, conducted an entrapment operation against the suspect. — Pete Laude, Jerry Botial

Makati raises P.6 M for Bicol typhoon victims

Makati City’s fund-raising drive for typhoon victims in the Bicol region during its New Year’s Eve countdown has raised more than half-a-million pesos in donations from various corporations.

Mayor Jejomar Binay said the amount will be turned over to the ABS-CBN Foundation which will use the money for the long-term rehabilitation of areas damaged by the typhoon.

"We are very thankful to those who contributed to the fund drive. Because of this outpouring of support, the city government has decided to make the fund drive part of our annual New Year’s Eve activity in Makati," he said.

Binay noted that a total of P620,388.95 was raised during the drive, which started on the second week of December and ended 15 minutes before midnight of Dec. 31.

The amount represents donations from various corporations in Makati and donations collected during the actual event by the ABS-CBN Foundation.

"We have started a tradition in Makati and it’s not only the celebration of a new year, but the spirit of sharing and the spirit of hope," Binay said.

Makati City’s New Year’s Eve countdown attracted some 15,000 revelers, including foreign tourists, who were treated to musical performances, a magic show, a laser presentation, and a 20-minute fireworks display. — Michael Punongbayan