The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested social media personality Franco Mabanta over an alleged extortion attempt on former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
Entrapment Operation
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that Mabanta and four other individuals were apprehended during an entrapment operation conducted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The operation was meticulously planned after authorities received a complaint from Romualdez's camp.
Extortion Details
According to the NBI, Mabanta allegedly demanded P350 million from Romualdez in exchange for not releasing a video that purportedly implicated the lawmaker in the flood control controversy. The suspect threatened to disseminate the material through his extensive social media network, which has a significant following.
During the operation, Mabanta accepted P300 million in marked money, which served as evidence for the arrest. The NBI has not disclosed the identities of the other four suspects, but they are believed to be accomplices in the extortion scheme.
Legal Proceedings
Mabanta and his cohorts are currently in NBI custody and will face charges for extortion, which carries severe penalties under Philippine law. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into whether there are other victims or related cases.
The arrest highlights the growing issue of online extortion and the use of social media for illegal activities. The NBI has urged the public to report similar incidents and to be cautious about sharing sensitive information online.
