The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has arrested the self-proclaimed wife of a famous basketball player Terrence Romeo on charges of extortion and carnapping, authorities said Monday.
Police identified the suspect as Beatrice Pia White, who was charged with allegedly stealing vehicles.
According to complainant Alvin Clarinan, White offered to rent his three vehicles for P30,000 each.
But since last year, White allegedly did not pay, and Clarinan’s car was not returned.
The PNP-HPG first caught White and her accomplice Efcel Reyes in an entrapment operation to recover one of their seized vehicles.
“Ito po ang modus operandi nila, initially, they rent mga sasakyan nila [victims], hihiram sa ‘yo, tapos isosoli sa ‘yo hanggang makuha nila yung loob mo,” said Police Brigadier General Rommel Marbil, the director of the PNP-HPG.
“Then they will get more cars from you. Kapag nakuha na yung maraming sasakyan, bibigyan ka ng tseke tapos hindi na nila isosoli.”
White also uses fake names and IDs, such as Janelle Consuji, according to police.
Authorities allegedly recovered three vehicles from the suspects but are looking for others.
More than 20 complainants have also approached the PNP-HPG to complain about the suspects.
Based on the complaints, White is an accomplice in the “rentangay” and the investment scam.
Wife of Terrence Romeo arrested for extortion, carnapping
Meanwhile, entertainment columnist and radio host Cristy Fermin said White was buried in debts because of his excessive love for Terrence Romeo.
Fermin said she knew White very well because they were friends.
In the live broadcast of her radio program yesterday, January 10, the veteran entertainment writer expressed her sympathy to Terrence Romeo’s wife.
“Nakakaawa lang si Pia kasi wala siyang nagawang kasalanan kundi ang magmahal,” said Fermin.
Cristy Fermin confirmed White and Terrence Romeo separated due to a third party.
“Masyadong na-in love si Pia kay Terrence, masyadong naging faney. Fan na fan.
“Hindi niya ipatatalo si Terrence kahit kailan. Bobonggahan niya ang pagsuporta.
“Anong nangyari ngayon? Nung magkautang-utang si Pia, ang dami-daming naniningil na ang daming magdedemanda, nasaan si Terrence?”
“Tumakbo, wala na. Hindi na siya sinamahan. Hindi ba dapat pag karelasyon, sa hirap at sa ginhawa?” said Fermin.
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