- NBI XI to file charges against two suspects for targeting Chinese businessman
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation XI (NBI XI) will file charges against two individuals who allegedly extorted money from a Chinese businessman.
The suspects were apprehended during an entrapment operation on Thursday, Oct. 24, in Barangay New Visayas, Panabo City.
Recovered from the suspects were a gun, ammunition, a fake NBI ID, NBI uniforms, and other paraphernalia.
In a press conference held Friday morning at the NBI XI office, agent Juhary Guro announced that charges of robbery extortion, illegal possession of firearms, and usurpation of authority would be filed against the suspects later that day in Panabo City.
Agent Elias Leaño narrated that the incident was reported to their office on Oct. 22. The complainant, a Chinese national engaged in the production of skim coats (a component for paint structures), detailed how the individuals, posing as NBI agents, extorted a significant amount of money from him under the threat of deportation or incarceration.
“The complainant was forced to give a huge amount of money to avoid being deported or incarcerated at our NBI regional office,” Leaño said.
Following the complaint, NBI XI regional director Atty. Albao and assistant regional director Gerald Intes authorized an entrapment operation.
Leaño explained that the suspects had initially demanded P50,000 and already received P15,000. During the entrapment operation, the agents prepared marked money amounting to P40,000. On Oct. 24, the agents proceeded to the agreed payoff location in Panabo City where they successfully apprehended the two suspects.
According to Leaño, the suspects have been operating throughout the five provinces of the Davao Region, targeting Chinese nationals engaged in mining and manufacturing activities, regardless of whether these businessmen possess the required documents to operate in Davao.
“Their modus operandi involves locating and identifying Chinese individuals, approaching them, and then threatening and harassing them,” Leaño explained. “They demand money in exchange for the continued stay of these individuals in the Davao Region and to avoid arrest and deportation to China.”
Leaño added that the suspects also target local businessmen, particularly those in the wood industry, by falsely claiming that their furniture is made from endangered hardwood narra. “Once they receive the initial payment, they continue to collect money regularly,” he said. “They tarnish the name of the NBI by claiming to be agents.”
In this particular case, the suspects demanded P50,000 from the Chinese national. “Once you give in, they will habitually demand money every week or month,” Leaño said. “If you fail to pay, they will harass you with firearms, arrest you, and conduct surveillance.”
Guro added, “Since we received the complaint on Oct. 22, we immediately planned the entrapment operation and maintained communication with the complainant. The suspects had received an initial payment of P15,000 on Oct. 16, and they contacted the victim to collect the remaining P35,000. This led to the successful entrapment operation and the arrest of the suspects on Oct. 24.”
Among the items seized from the suspects were multiple firearms and ammunition, including a gun with a silencer, NBI uniforms, identification cards, and a tactical bag and vest with NBI markings.
Leaño stated that they are still conducting an inquiry with the PNP Firearms Division regarding the seized gun with a silencer, which he noted is “really intended for killing.” When asked if the group might be guns for hire, Leaño responded, “Most likely, they’ll use that if they are cornered.”
Guro added that they are investigating whether there are other individuals connected to the suspects, possibly linked to the NBI or other law enforcement agencies. “We assure you that we will investigate thoroughly and file appropriate charges against them,” he said.
Background of the group
The NBI is still investigating whether the suspects are part of a larger syndicate. “For now, this is our focus,” Guro stated. “Since they were arrested, we will gather more information because there are many victims. We encourage legitimate business owners who have been giving money to these individuals to come to our office and file complaints against the suspects.”
Leaño added that they have been receiving information about groups collecting money from Chinese and other foreign and local businessmen. He explained that these groups exploit situations where Chinese business partners have disputes, using information obtained from one party to extort money from the other under pretenses.
“Our complainant has been living in Panabo for the past 15 years,” Leaño said. “He has schooled his children here and complied with all the local requirements to engage in business. No one has the right to extort money from this man, who is a taxpayer.”
Leaño appealed to the public, “If you have any knowledge or information about any group of persons claiming to be NBI agents and who may have links or connections to this office, please let us know. Your identity will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
He emphasized the ongoing nature of this issue, stating, “They have been doing this for two years, and this is always happening, regardless of who the regional director is. It was only during our time with director Albao and director Intes that we decided to confront these problems and put an end to the damage being done to the image of the NBI.”
On the production of NBI uniforms
Intes acknowledged that NBI uniforms can be purchased online but emphasized they could distinguish between authentic uniforms issued by the national headquarters and those made elsewhere.
“What we are using are those issued to us,” Intes said. “But I want to take this opportunity to congratulate my two agents, and all agents here are willing to work with determination. I assure them, since I assumed my duty here two weeks ago, that all ground operatives of the NBI who are tarnishing the NBI’s name should stop.”
Intes expressed his commitment to addressing this problem, stating, “I was away from Davao for almost two years, assigned in another region. When I returned, these were some of the problems I encountered. I had to do something, even if it was just a small innovation, to help my regional director, Atty. Albao. I hope this will not happen again.”
Guro added that while the production of NBI uniforms is being used as a livelihood, they have filed many cases for usurpation but have not yet taken action against manufacturers because most online sellers are based in Manila.
Interview with the Chinese national
In an interview, the victim said that the suspects approached him twice, asking for money. He initially gave them P15,000, and when they returned, he gave them P35,000 on Oct. 16. He confirmed that he operates a skim coat business in Panabo City.
When asked why he decided to file a complaint with the NBI, he replied, “Because they were wearing NBI uniforms, and I was wondering if they were NBI agents.” He confirmed that he was being harassed.
The media attempted to get a statement from the two suspects, but they declined to comment.
Photos courtesy of Bing Gonzales/ Rhoda Grace Saron
