Extort text group monitored, Kidapawan exec says

KIDAPAWAN CITY
– Police authorities here are closely monitoring a group of individuals
believed to be behind the extort try through short messaging system preying on
traders and some local officials, Mayor Joseph Evangelista said.

Evangelista
would not reveal the suspects’ identities, location or other specific details
saying police covert operations are still on-going.

He said the
group first tried mulcting at some personalities in the city early this year
but lied low.

Lately, the
group renewed extortion activities, sending text messages to known
personalities that include a lady city councilor.

Evangelista
believed the group that tried early this year is the same group trying to earn
a living through mulcting.

Sooner or
later they will be known and pay for their acts,” Evangelista told DXND Radyo
Bida Kidapawan said in Filipino, adding that a comprehensive plan is already in
place to neutralize the suspects.

One text
message told an official that she will be shot by gunmen riding tandem on
motorbike if its demands are ignored.

Evangelista
denied the text-threat have resulted in the exodus of some traders.