An employee of the Cagayan de Oro City government was arrested in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a vendor at the Cogon Public Market.

Police arrested the 50-year-old female employee of the City Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration (CEEBDA) after she was allegedly caught in the act of extorting money from a stall owner afternoon on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

According to the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), the operation was launched after a market vendor complained that the suspect has been allegedly demanding money from stall holders almost every day.

During the operation, authorities recovered P1,200 in marked money from the suspect.

“Naa’y vendor o stall renter nag-reklamo anha sa atong opisina sa Police Station 2 allegedly tungod kay nangayo ang usa ka indibidwal nga gapangolekta og kwarta apan kung dili sila muhatag niini nga amount i-harrass sila o i-announce nga ipahawa sila sa ilang gi-occupy nga stall,” COCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Emilita Simon, said.

CEEBDA officials expressed disappointment over the incident. The office said such actions are not tolerated, adding that regular reminders, trainings, and seminars are conducted to prevent misconduct among employees.

“Nasubo kayo ko tungod kay dili man gyud nako na gina-tolerate nga mga butang ug dili gyud pud nato angay i-tolerate,” CEEBDA Head, Atty. Marianne Quibone-Ragas, said.

The suspect will face extortion and administrative charges, which could lead to her dismissal from service.