DENR-EMB employee nabbed in extortion of Isabela businesswoman

Isabela, Philippines – A 35-year-old employee of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) fell into the hands of the police after she was caught extorting money from a 56-year-old businesswoman in Cabagan, Isabela on January 24.

The suspect, who used the alias “Marites” and is a resident of Tuguegarao City, was arrested in an entrapment operation launched by the police following a complaint filed by the victim.

According to the Isabela Police Provincial Office, the businesswoman sought police assistance on January 23, claiming that Marites was asking her for money. Based on the victim’s account, she first received a notice from the DENR Regional Office 2 in November 2025 regarding an alleged violation involving the improper disposal of used oil and batteries from her gasoline station.

The suspect allegedly warned that the business would be shut down if the issue was not addressed, adding that she could “fix” the problem in exchange for ₱60,000.

The victim initially gave Marites a ₱40,000 check and ₱20,000 in cash. However, the suspect later contacted the businesswoman demanding additional money, prompting the victim to report the matter to the Cabagan Police Station.

Following the complaint, authorities arranged an entrapment operation in which Marites was caught accepting the ₱60,000 at a gasoline station in Ugad, Cabagan at around 1:50 p.m. on January 24.

Items recovered from the suspect were inventoried before she was taken to the Milagros Albano District Hospital for medical examination. She was later brought to the Cabagan Police Station for proper disposition.

PNP Isabela Acting Provincial Director, Police Colonel Manuel Bringas, emphasized that the police do not tolerate extortion and other illegal activities, encouraging the public not to hesitate to seek police assistance should they become victims of similar crimes.