TWO men were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation, Southeast Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro) in an entrapment operation in Panabo City for allegedly extorting a substantial sum from a man Chinese businessman on October 24, 2024.

NBI-Davao agents confiscated a firearm, several cartridges, counterfeit NBI identification cards, official-looking uniforms and various other paraphernalia from the suspects.

In an interview, the victim said the threats began on October 16, when the suspects pressured him to pay an initial amount of P15,000, partly based on the P50,000 demand related to alleged drug charges. He said the suspects threatened to accuse him of producing “shabu” in his coat factory if he did not comply with their demands.

He filed a report on October 22, alleging that “unscrupulous” individuals were posing as NBI agents. Under duress, he was forced to provide a large sum of money to avoid deportation or detention at the regional NBI office.

The entrapment operation took place in New Visayas, Panabo City, where the complainant’s manufacturing plant is located. The NBI-Davao said the suspects were believed to be operating in five provinces in the Davao region, mainly targeting Chinese nationals involved in the mining and manufacturing sectors.

“Itong Nahuli Natin, they operate in all five provinces of Davao region. The target targets are Chinese nationals engaged in mining and manufacturing activities, if these Chinese businessmen are in possession of the required documents to carry out their business here in Davao, that should be the case,” Leaño said.

(These individuals we apprehended are operating in five provinces in the Davao region. They are specifically targeting Chinese nationals involved in mining and manufacturing activities. Whether or not these Chinese businessmen have the required documents to operate here in Davao, they continue to be victims.)

Leaño revealed that the motive of the suspects was to locate and identify Chinese businessmen who could be victims. They will approach, threaten, harass and extort money from businessmen. He added that victims usually give in so they can continue to stay in the Davao region and not be arrested and deported to China.

The NBI-Davao believes that the arrested individuals are linked to a larger syndicate targeting various businessmen, including those from the Chinese, Korean and Indian communities.

“We believe this is the work of five or more individuals…and they bring the name of the NBI, so it’s a sad story,” Leaño added.

The suspects chose to remain silent when asked for their statements.

They will face investigative proceedings in Panabo town with the NBI preparing to file three charges: theft, extortion, illegal possession of firearms under the Comprehensive Firearms Regulation Act of 2012. fire and ammunition (RA 10591) and usurpation of authority.

Leaño called on the public to report anyone claiming to be NBI agents or affiliated with the agency.

“Nanawagan kami sa publiko na (We appeal to the public) that if you have any knowledge or information about any person or group of people claiming to be agents or having ties or connections to this office, please do so- know us, and your identity will be revealed. be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he said. KBP