Two suspected members of a well-entrenched syndicate, one introducing himself as Siquijor governor, were arrested in an entrapment operation in Zambales after they tried to extort P50,000 from Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
A composite police team from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Southern District Field Unit, along with operatives from the Castillejos Police Station, and the Office of the Senate President arrested Danilo Guillermo Ledesma, 46, farmer, and his companion Bryan Reyes Ledesma, 23, online seller.
The suspects were caught at the PrK5 Villa Garcia, San Pablo, Castillejos, Zambales last August 15.
Ledesma was earlier arrested for violation of RA 9165 on May 2021, also in Castillejos.
Complaints for robbery extortion and usurpation of authority were filed against the suspects.
An additional complaint for violation of RA 10591 was filed Ledesma on August 16, 2022 at the Provincial Prosecutor Office in Olongapo.
The suspects yielded their ID cards, marked money, and a mobile phone with SIM card believed used to transact with their victims.
Ledesma was also found in possession of .45 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition, a black sling bag, and a mobile phone.
In a media briefing, Zubiri said he sought the assistance of PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin after the suspects, who introduced themselves as Siquijor governor Jec Jec Villa and board member Abner Lomongo, texted him on August 14.
Police said suspects, together with Kenneth Reyes Ledesma and Sarah Arciaga Contreras, who have remained at large, demanded P50,000 from Zubiri for their supposed political convention and continued support to his political career.
An entrapment operation was laid down the Senate leader succeeded in convincing the suspects to meet his staff in Zambales for the money.