NBI files charges vs. CITOM Enforcer

CEBU, Philippines - Criminal and administrative charges were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas yesterday against a traffic enforcer arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for allegedly extorting money from a taxi driver.

The NBI filed criminal cases for direct bribery and violation of the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Christian “Eman” Catoto.

On top of the criminal cases, the NBI also filed an administrative complaint for violation of the Republic Act 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Catoto, an enforcer of the City Traffic Operations Management assigned at the Road Warrior Towing Services, was arrested by the NBI operatives last Thursday in Barangay Labangon based on the complaint of taxi driver Jessie Rica.

Rica, driver of Richielda Taxi, accused Catoto of demanding P3,000 from him in exchange for his driver’s license which the latter confiscated last Friday over several traffic violations.

Catoto and Rica agreed to meet in front of the Bank of the Philippine Islands along Natalio Bacalso Avenue Thursday noon for the pay-off where NBI operatives also positioned to conduct the entrapment.

Catoto however did not receive the money and ordered Rica instead to board his motorcycle with him. Rica was brought to a nearby gasoline station where Catoto demanded the amount they previously agreed.

However, Rica did not give the money thinking that the NBI operatives were not following them. Rica instead made an alibi that he only has P200 with him prompting Catoto to grab the license back.

The NBI operatives pursued Catoto on his way home to Bliss, Labangon until he was arrested and recovered from him Rica’s driver’s license. — Fred P. Languido/WAB