2 'labor group' executives nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines –  Two alleged officials of a labor organization were arrested by Manila police officers in the act of extorting money from a businessman during an entrapment operation in Sta. Cruz, Manila yesterday.

Romeo de Guia, 60, and Alex Eslera, 29, were reportedly demanding P15,000 from the owner of Pacific Parts Corp. along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo in exchange for stopping his employees from striking over alleged unfair labor practices, according to Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio, Manila Police District intelligence chief.

The company owner sought police assistance after receiving a letter on Monday from the Lakas Manggagawa sa Pilipinas, signed by Eslera as national vice president for organization, detailing his alleged labor practices.

Charges of robbery-extortion were filed against the two suspects, who are currently undergoing tactical interrogation.