Ex-NBI agent nabbed for recruiting informers for a fee

A former confidential agent of the National Bureau of Investigation was arrested in Cavite province Thursday for allegedly running a racket recruiting informers for the investigating agency.

 

Despite his protests, Reynaldo dela Cruz was arrested by agents of the NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, GMA News' John Consulta reported on "24 Oras."

 

"Huwag nyo na ako posasan, magkakasama naman tayo!" he said to no avail when arrested after a sting operation in Dasmariñas in Cavite.

 

The report said dela Cruz had been linked to a racket where he offered civilians the chance to become confidential agents in exchange for P50,000.  He also offered NBI identification cards that turned out to be fake.

 

Also arrested was his wife, the report said.

 

Seized from the couple were marked money and fake NBI ID cards, as well as unlicensed firearms and fake firearm permits.

 

Some of the ID cards even had holograms to fool people into thinking they were authentic.

 

But dela Cruz denied the allegations.

 

"Meron kaming sariling negosyo at meron kaming pinoprotektahang pangalan," he said.

 

Investigation showed the suspects would offer civilians NBI IDs indicating they were confidential agents, all in exchange for P50,000.

 

"In a way, nagre-recruit siya dahil ang binibigay niya ID ng intelligence staff officer na walang item dito," AOTCD head Atty. Rommel Vallejo said.

 

Vallejo also said he received word from the NBI's office in Olongapo that the suspect allegedly went there and introduced himself as a member of the NBI.

 

Investigators said the suspects may have fleeced victims from Metro Manila and nearby provinces of more than P500,000.

 

The "24 Oras" report said at least 40 people have contacted the NBI to claim they were duped by dela Cruz/

 

Dela Cruz and his wife face charges of falsification of public documents, usurpation of authority, and illegal possession of firearms. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News