TF Alpha agent nabbed for ‘extortion’

CEBU, Philippines - A deputized agent of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 was arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from a traffic violator  Tuesday night.

 Suspect Engilbert Caumeran, 36, was arrested in an entrapment operation near his residence on V. Rama Avenue at past 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Caumeran claimed to be a member of Task Force Alpha, a volunteer group accredited by LTO to assist in the implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulation.

The complainant, Antonio Barellano, 39, a resident of Barangay Cantuod, Balamban town, told the police that the suspect tried to extort P8,000 from him.

Barellano, a construction worker, narrated that he was driving a Honda motorcycle on Echavez St., Barangay Lorega-San Miguel at past 9 p.m. Saturday on his way to Colon St. when he was flagged down by authorities conducting a checkpoint.

Barellano said a police officer turned him over to Caumeran.

Caumeran then approached him and cited his violations that include driving with an expired license, drunkenness and wearing of slippers.

Caumeran allegedly confiscated his license and the plate number of his motorcycle without issuing a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP).

The victim further alleged that the suspect told him to just pay him P8,000 instead of paying P15,000 at the LTO 7 office.

“Giingnan ko niya na dakoa daw sa akong violation. Kinahanglan daw nako makuha ang plate number sa Lunes,” Barellano said.

He added that he told Caumeran he would borrow money to pay him on Wednesday.

The victim went home and instead of looking for money, he sought the assistance of the City Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, who heads CIB, said they arranged an entrapment operation last Tuesday night.

Santander said they arrested the suspect after he received the amount from Barellano.

Santander further said that the suspect, who acted arrogantly,  was positive of ultraviolet powder which was dusted on the two P500 bills.

“Alegasyon sad na sa biktima,” Caumeran said when interviewed in his detention cell yesterday. He refused to say more.

Task Force Alpha Cebu President Yolando Solibio said they will conduct their own investigation and will remove Caumeran from the group if he is proven guilty of extortion.

“Nakadaot man ‘na sa ngan sa atong grupo. Pasalamat ‘ta na sayo-sayo pa, nahibaw-an na nato iyang pamaagi,” Solibio said.

Caumeran has been working for six months with Task Force Alpha.

The suspect will face a case of robbery extortion, Santander said.  — (FREEMAN)