'DOJ employee' nabbed for alleged extortion

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a man working at the Department of Justice for allegedly extorting P1 million from brokers.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the suspect was identified as Louie Miranda who had been telling brokers that he is an emissary of the new Customs commissioner.

The NBI said Miranda tells brokers that the monetary gift would be an “enrollment” so that the new Customs commissioner will not be strict with them.

However, Miranda denied he demanded money from brokers.

“‘Yong activity of demanding and receiving money, bakit ganoon?” Customs deputy commissioner Raniel Romero asked Miranda.

“Sir, I never demanded sa kanila. I was equally surprised. Sabi ko ‘Ano ito?’” Miranda said.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Customs officials said brokers are not asked for money.

“Definitely, walang ganitong effort. We have a hotline 8484 for corruption-related matters. We will see to it that it is acted upon,” Romero said.

Moreover, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said his office will look into the incident.

“Ang established lang is connected talaga siya sa DOJ pero ‘yong eksaktong role niya o posisyon niya, hindi po natin ma-establish. In-admit na po natin sa forensic ‘yan at mayroon tayong nag-intel gathering up to now kung sino ‘yong mga puwedeng kasabwat niya,” NBI Special Action Unit chief Atty. Emeterio Donggallo, Jr. said.

Miranda will face charges for robbery extortion. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News