Lim warns vs fake sanitation, permit inspectors

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday warned business owners in the city against falling prey to extortionists posing as City Hall inspectors.

In a statement, Lim said he ordered the arrest of a fake engineer who extorted P2,000 from a beauty salon owner.

Lim identified the suspect as Ferdinand Fernandez, alias engineer Danilo dela Torre, 47, who has been charged with usurpation of authority, falsification of public or government documents and robbery-extortion before the Manila prosecutor’s office.

Lim had earlier ordered Senior Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez, chief of the District Special Project Unit (DSPU) of the Manila City Hall, to investigate complaints filed with his office regarding the proliferation of fake permit and license inspectors who prey on legitimate businessmen.

Gutierrez then ordered his investigation and follow-up branch chief Senior Inspector Marcelo Reyes to conduct the necessary probe and police action on the matter.

After inquiring from several business establishments, Reyes learned from Henry Ong of Beautiful Line Salon in Binondo that Fernandez, who introduced himself as engineer Danilo Dela Torre, was demanding P2,000 supposedly as signage fee.

However, upon verification with the city building official, engineer Melvin Balagot, Reyes learned Fernandez is not in any way connected with the city government.

Police Officers 2 Aurelio Neral III and Sabino Panganiban Jr. posed as an office staff and customer, respectively, to witness Ong pay Fernandez during an entrapment operation.

When frisked, Fernandez yielded not only the marked money given by Ong but also fake inspection slips, handwritten receipts and even a fake City Hall identification card.

Lim called on those who may have also been victimized by Fernandez to coordinate with Reyes and Gutierrez so they could also file the appropriate charges.

– Sandy Araneta