NBI arrests media personality Franco Mabanta for alleged extort try on Martin Romualdez

The National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday said it arrested online media network personality Franco Mabanta after an alleged extortion try on former speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Mabanta was nabbed in an entrapment operation.

The suspect allegedly claimed he possesses videos implicating Romualdez in the flood control scandal.

Mabanta allegedly pressed Romualdez to pay P350 million or else he will release the said videos via Peanut Gallery Media Network, which he founded.

The suspect was arrested after receiving P300 million in marked money.

The NBI said it will conduct a press conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday to give more details about the arrest. —KG, GMA News