THREE men were arrested trying to extort money from a businessman after dropping the name of First Lady Liza Marcos.
The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said the suspects tried to extort P5 million from a businessman.
PNP-CIDG chief P/Major General Romeo Caramat Jr., said the suspects will face charges of robbery extortion.
They were identified as Francisco “Isko” Ouna,48, and his two armed accomplices, Joselito Agtuca,46, and German Reveza,42.
Initial investigation showed that the complainant, Gerald Hidalgo, was approached by the suspects who claimed to be connected with the First Lady and her family. They threatened to close down his establishment if he refused to cough up P5 million “to protect his emissions testing and medical business.”
“Alias Isko claimed to have a direct connection with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, that if the victim refused to give him the money, he would cancel or hinder all his business transactions,” Caramat said in a statement.
Hidalgo, out of fear, immediately went to the police and sought assistance.
Seized from the suspects during the sting operation were the boodle money, a handgun with three magazines, 32 live ammunition, and a license to own and possess firearms and a permit to carry firearms from Agtuca.
They will be charged with violation of Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code or Robbery Extortion before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
PNP-CIDG National Capital Region director P/Lt. Col. Jose Joey Arandia urged the public to immediately report individuals using the name of any member of the First Family to extort money.
