Tabloid editor nabbed for extort try

An alleged editor of a “fly-by-night” tabloid was arrested for trying to extort protection money from a videoke bar owner in Valenzuela City yesterday.

Rommel Londonio, 33, was caught receiving marked money in an entrapment operation conducted by the Valenzuela police. Londonio claimed to be the managing editor of the tabloid “Boses ng Masa (Voice of the Masses).”

Norberto Reinos, 49, floor manager of Green Star Disco Bar on MacArthur Highway, said the suspect went to their establishment and a sister club, Mega Hurtz in Barangay Marulas, demanding P1,500 as monthly protection money.

Reinos said Londonio introduced himself as a member of the television show “Bitag,” hosted by Ben Tulfo, and was using the pseudonym “Agent Patibong.”

Reinos asked for a later date to give the money. After the suspect left, he called for police assistance.

The police set the trap at the Mega Hurtz bar, where a police officer handed Londonio the marked money. Londonio will be charged with robbery-extortion.  – Jerry Botial