In a significant development, operatives from the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) arrested two men, including a notorious figure previously charged with extortion, during a routine operation in Parañaque City. The arrest took place on June 15, 2025, and was detailed by Brigadier General Eleazar Matta during a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. He was joined by Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, who serves as a special envoy for Transnational Crime.

This operation marks a continuation of an investigation that began over a year ago when Joselito Agtuca, aged 47, was first apprehended for the illegal use of the name of First Lady Liza Louise Araneta-Marcos in a bid to extort money from unsuspecting businessmen. It was revealed that Agtuca, along with an accomplice who falsely claimed to be an undersecretary in the Office of the President, was demanding a substantial sum of P5 million from a businessman, threatening to shut down his emission testing business if he did not comply.

Ambassador Lacanilao provided further context, explaining that Agtuca was part of a group arrested in March of the previous year during an entrapment operation. The suspects had shown a video to the businessman to intimidate him, featuring a man identified as JJ Cafe Javier, who was also posing as an undersecretary and claiming to be related to the First Lady.

In a twist of fate, both Agtuca and Javier were apprehended again during the recent operation. The police had been tracking Javier, known for his involvement in various extortion schemes, particularly in Cebu, where he employed similar tactics to solicit money from local entrepreneurs.

In the latest operation, HPG officers confiscated a 9mm pistol, a bulletproof vest, and a C4 explosive—a highly dangerous material not permitted for civilian possession. This discovery raised alarms, prompting authorities to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to investigate how Agtuca managed to acquire such explosive materials. Brig. Gen. Matta emphasized that Agtuca and his accomplices failed to provide documentation proving ownership of the vehicle they were using during their arrest, which featured unauthorized blinkers and a protocol plate marked “12.”

As investigations continue, authorities have noted that the suspects appeared to be prepared for potential armed confrontation, which further complicates the case. Moreover, there are ongoing inquiries into a second vehicle that was reportedly involved in the incident but managed to escape. As of now, Agtuca and the other suspects face multiple criminal charges, highlighting the seriousness of their offenses.

Ambassador Lacanilao took the opportunity to issue a warning to the public, advising them not to succumb to extortion attempts that misappropriate the names of members of the First Family. Instead, he urged victims to report any such incidents directly to law enforcement for appropriate action.