A man who pretended reportedly to be a police official fell in an entrapment operation in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City for alleged extortion.

The man, captured on video, introduced himself as John Patrick Uychiat Calsado, 38 years old, from South Cotabato.  

“Mula pa noong September, iyan na ang kanyang ginagawa based sa surveillance. Maghahanap siya ng drug personality, pinupuntahan niya at nagpapakilala siya na police major,” according to Lt. Col. Antonio Benitez, chief of Bacolod City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).

It was learned that within two months, he took about P700,000 from an individual. His modus operandi involved coaxing the family, or the drug personality, to have names removed from the drugs watchlist in exchange for money.  

“May posibilidad na mula siya sa iba pang lugar, pumunta lang siya dito to extort. May mga comment rin sa social media na siya raw ang taong nag-extort rin sa kanila,” Benitez added.

The suspect is set to face charges for usurpation of authority and 16 counts of robbery extortion.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas went to Police Station 8 to seek for his comment, but he refused an interview, and complained about chest pains.

“May sakit ako sa puso,” the suspect said.

However, the suspect’s blood pressure reading rendered it was normal, according to FO1 Jesus Navarra, emergency medical responder from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod City.

“Ang findings ko sa kanya, 120/90 which is normal. Nagrereklamo ang victim na nahihilo kaya nilagyan siya ng electric fan,” Navarra said.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has assured there is no similar modus that involves their men.  

“Ang ating pulisya most especially the CDEU (at) CIU remain sa ating pagtrabaho. 100% na ang ating mga personnel, hindi nag-e-engage sa ganyang mga activity,” Captain Andro Ma-apni, deputy chief of BCPO Community Operation Management Unit, said.