A convicted criminal who is serving time inside the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) was arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly extorting cash, using a fake Facebook account of Atty. Vic Rodriguez, chief of staff and spokesperson of incoming President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.

This developed as the Special Action Unit (SAU) of the NBI is now conducting an in-depth investigation on how the suspect, identified as Ryan Ace Castillejo, alias Kiko and Jose Villafuerte, convicted for qualified theft case, was able to get hold of a mobile phone while still incarcerated.

“More importantly, how he was able to use the same for the commission of the crime. It is gathered that a signal jammer was installed at the NBP purposely to deter the inmates’ use of mobile phones for such illegal activities,” said Senior Agent Levi Anthony Royeras, agent-on-case.

The operation was conducted following the arrest of Casielyn Cardenas last April 18, 2022 for also using a fake FB account using the name of Rodriguez.

The official said that the cellphone used during the crime was traced to Castillejo, who is detained at the maximum security compound of the NBP.

Recovered from the possession of Castillejo were one smart cellphone, several notebooks, and a carved wood with improvised hidden cell phone storage.

During investigation, it was confirmed that the suspect is the one posing as Atty. Rodriguez on FB.

It was also found out that he is also stealing the identities of Vicente Danao Jr., acting-PNP chief, and Louise Liza Araneta Marcos, wife of BBM.

The suspect’s notes also revealed names of possible victims of identity theft including Sandro Marcos, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto.

It was learned that the suspect, using the fictitious account of Rodriguez, asked for P120, 000 cash from a victim allegedly as payment for the shipment of relief goods intended for victims of typhoon Agaton recently.

Likewise, the suspect is using the same fake FB account in soliciting cash from unsuspecting victims purportedly to fund the planned victory party of BBM.

Meanwhile, Col. Gabby Chaclag, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) spokesperson, said that they will conduct an investigation to identify the possible cohort of Castillejo inside the prison.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ang paggalugad natin. May investigation na po ginagawa tungkol dito at mananagot po ang responsable dito,” Chaclag said.

Castillejo, on the other hand, will be isolated from other prisoners as a disciplinary action while the investigation is ongoing.

His other privileges including visitation are also temporarily cancelled.