The Marikina City government, under the leadership of Mayor Maan Teodoro, dismantled an extortion scheme at City Hall following the arrest of two administrative aides on Monday.
The two suspects – a 38-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man — were apprehended by the Marikina local government in coordination with the Marikina police during an entrapment operation in Barangay Fortune.
They were nabbed after allegedly receiving ₱5,000 in marked money from a businessman while onboard a government-issued vehicle.
They are now under police custody and are facing charges of robbery-extortion, coercion, and violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The entrapment operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a local businessman regarding alleged unauthorized collection tied to permit concerns.
Acting swiftly on the report, the Marikina LGU coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an intelligence-driven entrapment operation, which led to the suspects’ arrest.
In a statement, Mayor Teodoro reiterated the local government’s stance against abuse of authority and its full commitment to accountability.
“Malinaw ang paninindigan natin: walang kakilala, walang palakasan,” Mayor Teodoro said.
“Sisiguraduhin ko na sinumang empleyado na lalabag ay haharap sa kaso, matatanggal sa serbisyo, at pananagutin sa batas,” she added.
