Environment exec nabbed for ‘extortion’

MANILA, Philippines — An official of a community environment and natural resources office (CENRO) in Batangas has been arrested for alleged extortion.

The official, identified only as Rommel, was collared by members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a sting at the CENRO office in Calaca City.

CIDG acting chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the suspect allegedly demanded P7 million from a resident applying for alienable and disposable zone certificates from the CENRO.

The suspect reportedly asked for P1 million in downpayment and told the complainant that he would not release the certificate if the applicant would not pay him.

The complainant sought the help of the CIDG, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the marked money.