Security agency denies extortion yarn

CEBU – The agency that handles the security guards assigned at Calanggaman islet of Palompon town in Leyte province who are accused of extorting money from tourists yesterday denied having any involvement in the said illegal activity.

Raul Austria, president of BAISA Security Agency, called up The Freeman to air their side following reports that armed men, who identified themselves as security guards have been demanding P300 from every pump boat that docks in the islet.

Austria said he conducted his own investigation and the security guard assigned in the place strongly denied any involvement in the reported extortion activities.

“Gusto lang nako nga limpyohan ang ngalan sa akong mga guwardiya ingon man sa among ahensya,” he said.

According to him, the owner of the islet barangay hired their agency’s services five years ago to protect the properties in the place.

Austria recalled that before, the owner of the islet allowed people like tourists who want to rest there after diving.

But some tour guides allegedly make money without the knowledge of the islet’s owner.

“Daghan naman gud nga hitabo nga adunay himoon ang mga turista diha palibut sa isla nga walay kalibutan ug pagtugot ang tag-iya,” said Austria. With this, he said the owner of the islet ordered them not to allow anybody to stay in the place.

Austria said three security guards were assigned to guard the islet 24 hours a day.

He said that they are even willing to cooperate with the police if it decides to conduct investigation into reports on alleged extortion activities.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Carmelo Valmoria said they are coordinating with the Leyte police to determine the veracity of the alleged illegal activities.

Valmoria said he had received a report from the officials of Daanbantayan town asking assistance to stop the illegal activities of the armed men, who are collecting “tongs” from the tourists visiting the islet. – Jose P. Sollano/WAB (THE FREEMAN)