MMDA TRAFFIC ENFORCER NABBED FOR EXTORTION
A TRAFFIC enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was arrested by combined agents of the National Capital Region Police Office and the agency for robbery-extortion Friday afternoon in Port Area, Manila.
NCRPO director Major General Edgar Alan O. Okubo identified the suspect as Rey Gaza, 53, MMDA Traffic Enforcer 3, currently assigned at the MMDA Northern Traffic Enforcement Division – Traffic Reaction Unit.
Okubo said the suspect was placed under arrest during an entrapment operation conducted in Room 227 of the Champ Building in Port Area, Manila.
The operation stemmed from the complaint Salvador Jecino, the owner of a trucking company operating in North Harbor and Valenzuela, who claimed that Gaza and his cohorts were collecting “payola” money amounting to P10,000 every month since 2019 to avoid inconvenience and to ensure the smooth operation of his trucking and transport service business.
On Friday afternoon, undercover NCRPO officers, with the support of MMDA Intelligence and Investigation Office personnel led by retired Colonel Osmundo de Guzman arrested Gaza during an entrapment operation.
Recovered from the possession of the suspect were two pieces of marked P1,000 bills, a caliber .45 semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing five bullets, a Permit-to-Carry-Firearm-Outside-of-Residence, a License to Own and Possess Firearm and other cash.
Maj. Gen. Okubo said that the other co-accused of Gaza identified as Ben Coleste, one alias ‘Boste’ and one ‘Almoguera,’ all described as MMDA traffic enforcers too are already being sought for criminal investigation.
The official commended the NCRPO men who arrested the accused even as he encouraged the public anew to not hesitate in reporting people or groups of people who are engaged in unlawful activities in Metro Manila.
“The MMDA is serious in cleansing its rank. As a matter of fact, the agency is continuously cracking down against corrupt employees as part of its intensified cleansing program to weed out erring personnel,” said MMDA Acting Chariman Atty. Don Artes.
The records of the gun and the authenticity of the papers recovered from the suspect are being checked by the NCRPO with the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office. With Edd Reyes
