3 tow truck operators arrested for extortion in Marikina
MARIKINA CITY: Three operators of a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)-accredited tow truck firm were arrested in Marikina City before dawn on Sunday.
The suspects were identified as Bernard Soriano, 36; Reden Rosendo, 32; and Robie Collado, 31. They were arrested along FVR Road in Barangay IVC.
Prior to the arrest, a complaint was filed against the three for allegedly extorting money from a driver whose truck broke down in the middle of traffic along C5 Road, Barangay Bagong Ilog, Pasig City last Friday.
Archie Samputan, driver of the 12-wheeler truck, said the operators approached him and urged him to park the vehicle on the side to prevent traffic congestion. The truck was then towed all the way to Marikina City, where the operators demanded P9,500, which Samputan was unable to provide. The suspects, instead, took the truck’s two batteries and then fled.
Police were able to recover the two batteries, nine P1,000 bills that Samputan gave to claim the truck, and a sachet of suspected “shabu” that was found in the suspects’ possession.
The three are detained at the city jail and are facing charges for robbery, extortion and for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. ATHENA LUCASAN
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