Camarines norte: Five persons pretending to be journalists were arrested in Camarines Norte for allegedly extorting money from a carnival manager through threats and intimidation, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. identified the suspects as "Ariel," who claimed to be a reporter for an internet television broadcaster and is a resident of Trece Martires City, Cavite; 'Noel,' 61, from Antipolo, Rizal; and three others known as "Rod," "Rowel," and "Angie," all from Quezon City.

Babagay stated that the group posed as media practitioners to intimidate and exploit small business operators. He emphasized that exploiting the name of the media for extortion and intimidation will not be tolerated and warned others against such practices.

Based on the report from the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office, the victim, known by alias Danny, contacted the Jose Panganiban Municipal Police Station hotline on Wednesday. He reported that a group of men claiming to be reporters had approached him, accused him of running illegal gambling activities, and threatened to use their supposed influence with authorities to shut down his business unless he paid them.

Initially, out of fear, the victim gave the suspects PHP6,000. However, the group was unsatisfied and demanded more money, which prompted the victim to alert the police.

Police organized an entrapment operation where one suspect was caught after receiving an additional PHP500 from the victim. The other suspects attempted to flee but were tracked down shortly in Barangay Gumaus, Paracale, Camarines Norte.