By Mar Gabriel
Eagle News Service
The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has arrested a man it said was posing as the brother of President Rodrigo Duterte and another pretending to be Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for extortion activities.
Arrested were Jose Matias, 57; and Henry Halaghay, 63.
According to CIDG director Roel Obusan, Matias, who was nabbed in San Pablo, Laguna, would identify himself as Duterte’s maternal brother Atty. Jose Roa Matias III, the alleged founder of the People’s Congress group.
Obusan said Matias would promise to appoint people as officers in charge of barangays in exchange for money.
“Dahil wala raw magaganap na eleksyon nung nakaraan, hindi pa raw nabubuo line up at sila mag-aappoint,” Obusan said.
Matias said he was
“Hindi po ako nagpapanggap. May pangalan po akong tunay, yung mga tao nga ang may kagustuhan non na gawin yun hindi ako,” he said.
As for Halaghay, who was arrested in Rodriguez, Rizal, Obusan said he would make calls to individuals and companies that have pending transactions with the government, and ask them for money so these could be expedited.
He said Halaghay would make it appear the money to be given to him would serve as a donation for the mega drug rehabilitation center in Nueva Ecija.
“Nagawa ko lang po dahil may sakit ang asawa ko,” Halaghay said.
Charges for estafa and usurpation of authority have been filed against the suspects.
Obusan said charges for illegal possession of firearms have also been filed against Halaghay, who was carrying two cal. 38 pistols when arrested.
