MALACANANG yesterday said those using the name of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for extortion should be held accountable and brought to justice.
“Hindi po ito dapat pinapalagpas: ng managot—ang dapat managot ay dapat panagutin (This should not be dropped: those who are responsible, those who should be held responsible should be held accountable),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.
Two persons, identified as alias JJ and Lito, were initially arrested for traffic violations by the PNP-Highway Patrol Group in Paranaque last Friday, but were later found to be behind extortion schemes using the name of the First Lady.
Reports said that alias JJ, in particular, had previously claimed that he was an undersecretary and connected with the First Family.
He would allegedly ask for money from businessmen in exchange for ensuring that their businesses would continue to operate.
During their arrest, the police also found explosives and firearms, among others, in their vehicle.
