ICPO warns bizmen vs ‘NPA extortionists’

From Panay News (Jun 19, 2021): ICPO warns bizmen vs ‘NPA extortionists’ (By Ruby Silubrico)

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is warning businessmen against extortionists claiming to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Information reached the ICPO that some businessmen were contacted by a group demanding money supposedly for the communist revolutionary movement.

In a virtual press conference yesterday, June 18, ICPO Intelligence chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon, said nine businessmen in the city received extortion text messages – four from last year and another five this year.

In fact, he said, one of them sent P5,000 to the extortionist who was reportedly Tagalog- speaking.

Their modus operandi is to introduce themselves as NPA and ask for money to help in their organization. Those who will refuse to give are being threatened.

One of the extortionists introduced himself as alias Tigre, but this group is not organized, according to Obregon.

They are targeting businessmen and engineers working in construction firms. They are also using different phone numbers.

The ICPO listed at least 15 cellular numbers used by the extortionists.

“We had already checked and these extortionists are not members of NPA. They pretend to be rebels to threaten businessmen. Indi gid sila masyado organized, pero naki-ride on sila kay active subong ang government forces in fighting against the NPA,” Obregon said.

The ICPO official admitted that they found it hard to arrest the suspects because they are using different SIM cards.

“We are asking the cooperation of the businessmen and do not give any amount. What they have to do is to immediately report to the nearest police station so that we can respond,” Oregon added.

Obregon added that they are willing to provide security to their establishments, especially during closing time at night.

Here are the telephone numbers of the six police stations:

* Iloilo City police station (City Proper) – 323-5717 or 09985986242/09989675768

* La Paz police station – 329-0904 or 09985986244

* Jaro police station – 3236002 or 09985986246

* Molo police station – 5012674 or 09985986248

* Mandurriao police station – 3332734 or 09985986250/09989673772

* Arevalo police station – 3274162 or 09989673775.

“If a crime occurs, don’t hesitate to tell the police all the facts about it. It may help solve the crime and aid the police in proper deployment of personnel especially in places where crime usually occurs or most likely to occur. If you don’t report a crime, criminals will operate continuously,” Obregon added.

https://www.panaynews.net/icpo-warns-bizmen-vs-npa-extortionists/