Ex-councilor in Albay nabbed for quarry extortion — NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a former municipal councilor from Albay, identified as John Mabini Bron, on Friday, 8 August, 2025, for allegedly extorting P320,000 from a quarry operator in exchange for processing an Ore Transport Permit (OTP).

Bron, who placed 15th in the 2025 municipal elections under the PDP-Laban party in Tiwi, Albay, is now facing charges of robbery and extortion.

Agents of the NBI in Legazpi and Naga launched a joint operation after receiving a complaint from James Juan Cochangco Ruiz, a quarry operator in the province, about a series of extortion demands.

The complainant alleged that Bron, through purported middlemen from the provincial environment office, demanded P320,000 to expedite the OTP, which was required for his quarry operations.

Investigators traced the case back to 18 July 2025, when Ruiz’s son, John Lorenz Ruiz, received a text message from individuals claiming to be middlemen. Bron, through these middlemen, allegedly asked for P655,100 in so-called “SOP” (standard operating procedure or illegal facilitation fees) for processing the OTP, to be paid in installments.

An initial entrapment operation was called off when the suspect rescheduled. However, on 8 August, NBI agents carried out a successful sting after confirming that the payment would push through.

At around 2:40 PM, Ruiz handed over marked money to Bron at the BGC Aggregates compound, leading to his immediate arrest.

The operation, led by Atty. Jessie Jimenez Jr., NBI Bicol senior agent, involved multiple operatives strategically positioned near Bron’s office in Barangay Mi-isi, Daraga, Albay.

Agents recovered five genuine P1,000 bills and P315,000 in “boodle money” from Bron’s possession, along with his cellphone. The cash was linked to the extortion demand made to Ruiz.

Bron, a former municipal councilor in Tiwi, was placed under inquest proceedings and remains in NBI custody pending further legal action.

The NBI continues to investigate the case, which underscores persistent corruption and extortion in local government units, particularly in industries like quarrying. Bron’s connections are also being probed as agents conduct a forensic examination of his seized phone.