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Advocates Philippines
NBI Nabs PGMN Founder In P300-M Extortion Sting
Screengrab from NBI
Authorities have arrested the founder of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) and four others in an alleged ₱300-million extortion scheme, following an entrapment operation in Metro Manila.
The National Bureau of Investigation – Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) identified the main suspect as Roberto Ma. Franco Cruz Mabanta, who was apprehended along with four companions on May 5.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Leyte representative Martin Romualdez, who alleged that Mabanta and his group threatened to release online content linking him to corruption in the House of Representatives.
According to investigators, Mabanta allegedly demanded ₱300 million in exchange for withholding the publication of the supposed exposé. The amount was to be paid in four tranches of ₱75 million each, with a portion of the alleged video material reportedly sent to reinforce the threat.
The NBI then organized an entrapment operation, arranging for the delivery of the first tranche amounting to ₱75 million.
Authorities said Mabanta initially met with undercover agents posing as representatives of the complainant at The Manila Peninsula before directing them to deliver the money to Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City.
Upon the handover, two of his alleged associates received the cash and brought it to a function room where Mabanta and two others were waiting. Operatives immediately moved in, resulting in the arrest of all five suspects.
Recovered from them were the marked money and mobile phones allegedly used to coordinate the transaction.
The suspects are now under NBI custody for booking and inquest proceedings and may face charges under Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in relation to robbery and extortion.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag underscored the agency’s commitment to cracking down on crimes involving digital platforms.
“Freedom of expression is protected by law, but it must never be used as a shield for extortion, intimidation, or criminal exploitation. The NBI will relentlessly pursue those who weaponize digital platforms to threaten, harass, and unlawfully profit from others,” Director Matibag said.
The National Bureau of Investigation – Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) identified the main suspect as Roberto Ma. Franco Cruz Mabanta, who was apprehended along with four companions on May 5.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Leyte representative Martin Romualdez, who alleged that Mabanta and his group threatened to release online content linking him to corruption in the House of Representatives.
According to investigators, Mabanta allegedly demanded ₱300 million in exchange for withholding the publication of the supposed exposé. The amount was to be paid in four tranches of ₱75 million each, with a portion of the alleged video material reportedly sent to reinforce the threat.
The NBI then organized an entrapment operation, arranging for the delivery of the first tranche amounting to ₱75 million.
Authorities said Mabanta initially met with undercover agents posing as representatives of the complainant at The Manila Peninsula before directing them to deliver the money to Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City.
Upon the handover, two of his alleged associates received the cash and brought it to a function room where Mabanta and two others were waiting. Operatives immediately moved in, resulting in the arrest of all five suspects.
Recovered from them were the marked money and mobile phones allegedly used to coordinate the transaction.
The suspects are now under NBI custody for booking and inquest proceedings and may face charges under Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in relation to robbery and extortion.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag underscored the agency’s commitment to cracking down on crimes involving digital platforms.
“Freedom of expression is protected by law, but it must never be used as a shield for extortion, intimidation, or criminal exploitation. The NBI will relentlessly pursue those who weaponize digital platforms to threaten, harass, and unlawfully profit from others,” Director Matibag said.
May 6, 2026
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