OPERATIVES from the National Bureau of Investigation – Olongapo District Office (NBI-OLDO) and the NBI-Central Luzon Regional Office (NBI-CELRO) nabbed a man who had reportedly posed as an NBI agent during an entrapment operation that was carried ou on June 27, 2024 at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Zambales.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspect as Lamberto Mariano Magalong, Jr. ,alyas ‘Lucky Magalong’ and Ramel Murciano.
Magalong reportedly introduced himself as an NBI agent as he approached the NBI informant and demanded that he be given a list of cigarette smugglers in Zambales so he could be given protection money.
Unknown to the suspect, the NBI -OLDO tasked the informant to give his cellphone number and pose as a smuggler of cigarettes.
Hours later, Magalong called him up and demanded P10,000 as goodwill money and another P50,000 per week as protection money.
The suspect also reportedly threatened the NBI personnel that he will be arrested if the demand for money is not met.
Both the suspect and the NBI agreed to meet in an area in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) where the money would be supposedly given.
Once the marked money was handed over, the suspect was nabbed by the real NBI agents.
Santiago said the suspect had been charged with violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code before the Zambales Prosecutor’s Office.
