5 'barkers' nabbed for extortion in Baclaran

MANILA, Philippines -  Five “barkers” who were allegedly extorting loose change from jeepney drivers were arrested in Baclaran, Paranaque City Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Nestor Pastoral identified them as Diosdado Parena, Rizaldy Sirino, Armando Dolore, Pablo Caindoy, and Rodel Manuel. 

“Their arrest stemmed from several text (messages) that barkers were extorting money from them upon the orders of policemen,” Pastoral told The STAR.

The five allegedly operated in the Baclaran area and each one collected a minimum of P2,000 daily.

According to Pastoral the suspects were caught “red-handed” in a series of entrapment operations by Paranaque police’s intelligence operatives. 

Police officers had to pretend to be jeepney passengers in order to arrest the five, he added.

The five will be charged with extortion and for violating a city ordinance against obstructing vehicular traffic.