Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation–Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) arrested a couple in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City for their alleged involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, SIM card fraud, money laundering, and financing of terrorism.
The suspects, identified as spouses Christopher Capitulo and Maria Elena Capitulo, were apprehended in an entrapment operation led by the NBI under the directive of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.).
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by a Filipino businessman who claimed he had been receiving threats from a man identifying himself as “Ka Ferdie,” a supposed member of the New People’s Army (NPA). According to the businessman, the threats began in 2018 and were aimed at forcing him and his family to make annual “protection” payments. Over P2.6 million was allegedly funneled into a BDO account linked to the suspects, with the threats sent through cellphone number 0910-525-3340.
After extensive surveillance and validation, the NBI traced the extortion scheme to the Capitulo couple. On July 2, 2025, following another supervised deposit by the complainant, the NBI launched a sting operation.
The bank account holder initially questioned by authorities admitted that her account had been used to receive funds on behalf of her neighbor, Chris Capitulo, in exchange for a commission. She cooperated with authorities and, using marked money provided by the NBI, handed the cash to the Capitulo couple as part of a controlled follow-up delivery. Upon accepting the cash, Christopher Capitulo and his wife were immediately arrested.
During interrogation, Chris Capitulo confessed to his role in the extortion and surrendered the mobile phone and SIM card used in the threats. Seized items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials.
The suspects have since been booked at the NBI-OTCD and were subjected to inquest proceedings before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office. They face multiple charges including:
- Robbery (Extortion) under the Revised Penal Code,
- Violation of Section 11(d) of the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934),
- Violation of Section 4 of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (RA 10168), and
- Money Laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160), as amended.
The Capitulo couple is currently detained at the NBI Detention Facility in Muntinlupa City.
The NBI reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing and dismantling criminal networks engaged in extortion, financial fraud, money laundering, and the funding of terrorism.