Caloocan city: A couple claiming to be members of the New People's Army (NPA) were arrested for extorting PHP2.6 million from a local entrepreneur, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Monday. In a news release, the NBI identified the suspects as Christopher and Maria Elena Capitulo, who were arrested by operatives of the NBI Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) at their residence in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City on July 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, the complainant reported the two to the OTCD, citing years of threats from an individual identifying himself as "Ka Ferdie," who is allegedly affiliated with the NPA. Since 2018, the suspect had extorted money from the complainant and his family, demanding annual payments for their safety. The threats were conveyed through a cellphone number, and over PHP2.6 million were paid by the complainant throughout the years, deposited into a bank account.

The bank account holder, upon questioning, admitted her account was used to receive money for her neighbor, Christopher, in exchange for a cut per transaction. She cooperated with NBI-OTCD, and using marked bills, delivered the cash to the Capitulo couple as part of a controlled follow-up operation. Once Christopher received the money, NBI operatives arrested both suspects.

Christopher admitted his role in the extortion and surrendered his cellphone containing the SIM used to send threats. An inventory of items seized was conducted in the presence of barangay officials. The suspects were charged before the Caloocan City Prosecutor's Office with robbery and extortion under the Revised Penal Code; violation of Section 11(d) of Republic Act 11934 (SIM Registration Act); violation of Section 4 of RA 10168 (Financing of Terrorism); and money laundering under RA 9160, as amended. They are temporarily detained at the NBI Detention Facility in Muntinlupa.