Radio Announcer and His Staff Detained for Extortion
EXTORTION – A radio announcer and his staff were arrested in an entrapment operation for allegedly attempting to extort P4 million from a mayor in Cebu City.
The suspect, identified as ‘Roger,’ a local radio commentator and candidate for mayor in Talisay City for the 2025 elections, was apprehended during an operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at a mall in Barangay Lawaan 2, Cebu City.
The complainant, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., reported that Roger had demanded P4 million in exchange for withdrawing his candidacy for mayor. Unbeknownst to the suspect, Mayor Gullas had sought assistance from the CIDG, leading to the planned operation.
Both the suspect and his staff are currently detained at CIDG 7, and legal actions are being prepared against them.
Meanwhile, Extortion is a criminal offense that involves obtaining money, property, or services from another person through threats, coercion, or intimidation. It may occur when someone demands payment in exchange for not causing harm, disclosing sensitive information, or withdrawing legal action. Public officials may also commit extortion by using their position to force individuals or businesses to provide money or goods.
Under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, extortion is often classified under robbery, with penalties varying based on the severity of the offense and the methods employed. For simple extortion, the punishment can be prison mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years), while cases involving aggravating circumstances, such as violence or threats, can result in a more severe penalty of reclusion temporal (12 years and 1 day to 20 years) or even reclusion perpetua (20 years and 1 day to life imprisonment).
In some cases, a fine may also be imposed, depending on the amount extorted or the damage caused. Additionally, the offender may be required to pay civil damages to the victim for the financial or personal harm inflicted. If the extortion involves the abuse of power, such as by a public official, the penalties can be significantly more severe, reflecting the gravity of the offense.