“Mediaman” arrested for extortion try

CEBU, Philippines - A man who allegedly introduced himself as a member of the media was arrested after he threatened and tried to extort money from a couple in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City, last Sunday afternoon.

Police identified the suspect as Mervin Seven, 30, a resident of Barangay Basak-Pardo and formerly employed under Bernales and Associates collection firm, for which, on behalf of a telecommunications company, he collects payment from postpaid users.

The suspect was arrested by his victims, Michael Punay, 26, and his live-in partner Michelle Munez, 30, who complained to police that the suspect was trying to extort P2,000 from them.

Based on the complaint lodged by the victims at Waterfront Police Station, the suspect reportedly blackmailed and threatened to have their unsettled account at Globe Telecom published in local newspapers if they will not pay it.

“He said he is a member of the Philippine Daily News daw,” said Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu, chief of Waterfront Police Station.

The suspect also reportedly claimed to his customers that he was a member of Globe Telecom, a field investigator of Mencilavez and Associates, and member of Narcotic Enforcement Officers’ Association.

So their unsettled account would not be published in the media, the suspect reportedly asked P2,000 from the couple via text message.

The complainants then reported the matter to the police and sought help for the suspect’s arrest.

The suspect was eventually arrested in an entrapment operation when he received the money near an establishment at Legaspi Ext., Barangay San Roque, at 5:30 p.m. last Sunday.

Tiu said the suspect no longer had anything to do with the collection firm. He said that the manager of the said firm sent them a copy of the certificate showing that the suspect had been terminated last year.

The suspect reportedly did not turn over to the collection firm the flash drive where the names of the telecom’s clients were listed, said Tiu.

The suspect denied the accusation, saying he is just doing his job as a collector.

Charges for estafa and extortion will be filed against the suspect, Tiu said. BRP (FREEMAN)