By Jason De Asis
BALER, AURORA – A businesswoman was arrested Thursday in an entrapment operation for robbery-extortion and qualified theft, following her attempt to defraud a victim using a fake land title.
The suspect, identified as Lanie, 45, a resident of Sitio Tabug, Barangay Zarah, San Luis, Aurora, was apprehended at around 3:30 p.m. inside Blue Point Restaurant in Barangay Pingit, Baler.
The operation was conducted by joint forces from the Baler Police Station, Maria Aurora Police Station, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of Aurora.
Police said the victim became suspicious on Feb. 14, after verifying the authenticity of a land title issued by the suspect at the Land Registration Authority (LRA). The LRA confirmed the document was fake.
Investigation revealed that the suspect had pawned the fraudulent land title to the victim for PHP200,000. After receiving the money, she demanded an additional PHP200,000, prompting the victim to seek police assistance.
During the entrapment operation, marked money used in the transaction was recovered from the suspect, strengthening the case against her.
Baler police chief Maj. Edgardo Javar, praised the victim for reporting the crime and commended his team for their swift action.
“We deeply appreciate the victim’s trust in our law enforcement officers, which led to the suspect’s capture,” Javar said.
He emphasized the police’s zero-tolerance policy against extortion and fraud.
The suspect was taken to the Baler Municipal Police Station (MPS) for documentation, and complaints for robbery-extortion and qualified theft will be filed with the Prosecutor’s Office. (PNA)
