Extortionist arrested at Manila City Hall

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of extorting money from permit applicants at the Manila City Hall was arrested during an entrapment operation yesterday.

The suspect was identified as Angelito Panado, 59, of Sto. Niño street in Tondo, Manila. He faces charges of robbery-extortion.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim earlier received a complaint from a resident that a city hall “employee” had been extorting P20,000 from him in exchange for facilitating the immediate release of the permits he needs for the house he is building in Tondo.

Lim ordered mayor’s complaint and action team director Franklin Gacutan to act on the matter.

According to the complainant, Panado initially demanded P20,000 but he was bargained down to P5,000. City electrician Ernesto Cuyugan said Panado is not in any way connected to his office.

At around 11:45 a.m. yesterday, the payoff took place in front of the city hall building near the city electrician’s office. Gacutan and his men arrested Panado after he received marked money from the complainant.

Gacutan urged Panado’s other victims to file complaints before his office. Panado was turned over to the Manila police.             –