BFP personnel accused of extortion post P50T bail each

CEBU, Philippines - The two employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection-7 arrested last week for alleged extortion are now out on bail.

SFO4 Joseph Ababon and fire safety inspector Leonidas Binatero Jr. each posted P50,000 bail before the Regional Trial Court for their temporary liberty.

Ababon and Binatero were indicted for direct bribery and violation of the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The prosecutor’s office recommended P20,000 bail for direct bribery and P30,000 for graft.

Ababon and Binatero were arrested last week by the operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation during an entrapment operation at the Cebu City Hall where the accused were detailed.

Manilyn Mar, executive manager of an English school in Barangay Kamputhaw, accused Ababon and Binatero of demanding P10,000 from her in exchange for a fire safety inspection certificate.

Mar said the alleged extortion started on May 29 when a joint inspection team from City Hall visited her office for inspection in relation to their application for a change of address.

After inspection, Binatero allegedly recommended to buy five units of new fire extinguishers and refill the existing seven fire extinguishers. They were referred to a certain Michael.

 After having complied with the recommendation, Mar said she went to Binatero and showed him the receipt. However, Binatero allegedly told her to replace the fire exit door or just pay P30,000 for him to sign the inspection certificate.

The amount was lowered to P10,000 upon intervention by Mar’s friend at the Mayor’s Office. Instead of giving into the demand, Mar sought the help of the NBI and conducted the entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of Binatero and Ababon.  (FREEMAN)