Albay: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of a man in Albay involved in extorting money from quarry operators for the issuance of ore transport permits (OTP).
According to Philippines News Agency, John Bron was apprehended during an entrapment operation in Barangay Mi-isi, Daraga, Albay on August 8. The arrest followed a complaint initially filed against Christopher Notario, also known as 'Tope,' in Legazpi City, Albay. Notario was accused of violating Republic Act No. 3019, which addresses Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, as well as charges of robbery and extortion.
Tope reportedly posed as a middleman, claiming to have the necessary authority and connections to facilitate the issuance of OTPs from the Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). Subsequently, John Bron, who goes by the alias 'Julbie' and is associated with Tope, reached out to the complainant. He allegedly stated that he would be responsible for collecting the funds required to expedite the OTP process.
Julbie demanded PHP320,000 for the release of seven OTPs, warning that failure to pay the amount would lead to delays in processing the permits. Following the operation, John Bron was charged with robbery and extortion.