THREE men, including one claiming to be an employee of Visayan Electric Company, were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Visayas after they were caught demanding money from persons living in Talisay City, Cebu in exchange for their power supply to be restored.
Operatives of the NBI Central Visayas led by investigation officer Wenceslao Galendez arrested Maximo Mariot Jr., the one who identified himself as an employee of Visayan Electric; and linemen Bryan Sacman and Doroteo Auxterio Jr.
The three were caught following an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI Central Visayas in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
The three were arrested following complaints received by Visayan Electric from their customers that some linemen were reportedly asking money in exchange for having their electricity to their houses restored.
On Thursday, January 27, the NBI Central Visayas brought the three suspects to the Talisay City Prosecutor's Office for an inquest proceeding.
The three were charged for wire-tapping and pilferage before the prosecutor’s office.
Talisay City Prosecutor Maria Alice Lim-Inglis, who handled the inquest proceeding, told SunStar Cebu that the three respondents had wanted avail of their right to preliminary investigation but they changed their minds later as they want to answer the allegations against them in court.
As a result the complaints will be filed in court for trial. (JKV)