Man arrested for squatting, extortion

MANILA, Philippines - A 70-year-old man was arrested in a police sting after he allegedly demanded money from the owner of a house he and two others illegally occupied in Quezon City.

Dionisio de Guzman, an engineer, was arrested on Wednesday based on the complaint of Jane Solitario-Caras, said Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.

Caras earlier sought police assistance on Nov. 26 after De Guzman and his companions, Arman Cruz and Delfin Soler, demanded money from her in exchange for leaving her Quezon City home. 

Caras claimed that on Nov. 23, she went to her house in Don Antonio Royal Estate to start its renovation but was surprised to see the men occupying the house.

When Caras asked the suspects why they were there, De Guzman allegedly demanded P400,000 for them to leave her house.

De Guzman was charged with robbery extortion and Assistant City Prosecutor Reuben Veradio set bail at P100,000. His two companions remain at large.