Fake LTFRB agent collared

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines  – Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 4A arrested a fake Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board agent during an entrapment operation in Maraoy, Lipa City, Batangas, police said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Rene Ong, CIDG 4A regional director, identified the suspect as Arnel Moticinos, of Calauag, Quezon, who was charged with robbery-extortion. Ong said the operation stemmed from a complaint of jeepney operator Eddie Jetomo of Lucena City.

Ong said he ordered his Batangas field officers led by Chief Inspector Joel de Mesa to set up an entrapment operation against Moticinos.

The suspect was accosted by CIDG operatives in front of the LTFRB office while accepting the marked money amounting to P10,000 from Jetomo as payment for the franchise of his passenger jeepney.

According to Police Superintendent Romano Cardiño, CIDG deputy regional director, Jetomo sought police assistance from them when the suspect was asking P10,000 for additional franchise fee.

Cardiño said the suspect introduced himself as an LTFRB agent to Jetomo and offered his service. The suspect demanded P8,000 for payment of franchise fee on Nov. 19, 2009 and pro-mised to finish the transaction last December but, until now no franchise was given, prompting the CIDG operatives to conduct an entrapment against Moticinos. – Ed Amoroso