Para±aque City: Two individuals arrested for traffic violations have been linked to an extortion scheme exploiting the name of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) apprehended the suspects, identified as 'Joselito' and 'JJ Caf©', during a routine stop on Filipinas Avenue for the illegal use of a blinker and a protocol plate number reserved for Cabinet undersecretaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, the apprehended individuals failed to present necessary documents, and a search of their vehicle uncovered a 9mm pistol, ammunition, handheld radios, three bulletproof vests, and a C-4 explosive. HPG Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta expressed concerns about the suspects' preparedness for armed confrontation and the possession of C-4 during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Further investigations revealed that Joselito had previously been arrested in an entrapment operation in Pasay City in March last year but was released on bail. Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, Special Envoy on Transnational Crime, disclosed that Joselito's group had allegedly threatened an emission testing business owner, demanding PHP5 million to avoid shutdown. The vehicle used in the recent arrest was identified as the same one involved in the earlier incident.

JJ Caf© allegedly impersonated an Office of the President undersecretary and claimed to be a relative of the First Lady to secure government contracts. Lacanilao stated that the suspects sought money in exchange for the approval of business lines such as medicine and emissions, even showcasing a video of Caf© posing as a government undersecretary.

Lacanilao urged the public not to succumb to extortion attempts involving the First Family's name and to report such incidents to authorities. Meanwhile, Matta confirmed that Joselito and JJ Caf© will face multiple criminal charges.