Fake traffic enforcer nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - A fake traffic enforcer landed in jail after a police official heading a traffic precinct in Quezon City caught him in the act of extorting money from a motorist.

Jomar Ablay was earlier seen talking to Ryan Lorente and Armando Torres, who were in their vehicle, at the corner of A. Bonifacio street and C-3 Road at past 9 a.m.

Inspector Raymund Layug, head of the Traffic Sector 1 of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), saw Ablay in uniform as he drove to work.  Layug became suspicious and asked the latter to remove his helmet.

Lorente and Torres told Layug they were being apprehended supposedly for smoke belching, but instead of giving them a traffic violation receipt, the suspect allegedly asked for P500. The amount was brought down to P200, said QCPD director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

It was at this point that Layug arrived, Albano said.

Ablay is facing charges of extortion and usurpation of authority.