VECO condemns extortion try of man posing as company exec -

CEBU, Philippines — The Visayan Electric Company (VECO) condemned an incident of extortion in which a man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a company official.

In a statement sent to The Freeman on December 21, VECO denounced this crime, emphasizing that it serves as a clear warning to anyone who might attempt to exploit their customers.

“Visayan Electric takes these incidents seriously and will pursue appropriate legal action against anyone who misrepresents the company,” the company said.

VECO also reminded the public, particularly its consumers, to be vigilant always and to transact only through its authorized channels.

Additionally, VECO said that payments for their electric services are accepted only at official service centers or through their accredited partners.

Furthermore, VECO also urged its customers to immediately report any suspicious individuals engaged in suspicious activities through its hotline 230-8326, official mobile number 0919-056-8326, or via the company’s official Facebook page.

The electric company also assured the public that all complaints received will be handled with utmost confidentiality.

It was previously reported that the arrested man was identified as 48-year-old Lawrence Soriano Torrefiel, a resident of Sitio Angeles in Barangay Sambag 1 in Cebu City.

He earlier identified himself as “Germano Ricaplaza,” a VECO employee and authorized representative, who went to the place of Edrico Ouano in Mandaue City, accusing the latter’s establishment of having a tampered electric meter, in violation of the law.

Through intimidation, "Ricaplaza" extorted P40,000 from Ouano for his help in preventing the penalty of electrical disconnection.

Ouano however went to the CIDG-7 to file a formal complaint against such a demand. Based on the complaint, operatives of CIDG-7 Mandaue City Field Unit conducted an evaluation and set a sting operation against “Ricaplaza.”

At a pre-set time and place, Ouano acted as the poseur-victim, accompanied by CIDG-7 personnel, met with “Ricaplaza” for the transaction on Friday afternoon (Dec. 19).

Upon actual receipt and possession of the extorted amount by the suspect, CIDG-7 operatives immediately identified themselves and arrested “Ricaplaza.”

The operatives, through further probe, later verified the “Ricaplaza” true identity as Lawrence Torrefiel of Cebu City, who is neither employed nor authorized representative of VECO.

Currently, Torrefiel is detained under the custodial facility of the CIDG-7, pending the formal filing of the appropriate charges against him.

He will face charges for violating Articles 294 and 177 of the Revised Penal Code, specifically for robbery through threat and intimidation or extortion, and for usurpation of authority.