Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered the arrest of a distant relative for allegedly being involved in colorum activities.
The Internal Security Group, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation, led an entrapment operation on Araneta Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Jaz Abalos and the driver of the passenger van, Antonio Mirasol.
The group discovered that Mirasol presented a forged driver’s license. Upon further investigation, it was also found the passenger van was operating with an expired vehicle registration.
The passengers were charged an amount of P200 to transport them from Cubao, Quezon City to Laguna.
Jaz Abalos had gone to the MMDA Head Office to negotiate the colorum violation and claimed she was the niece of Secretary Abalos.
However, upon verification, it was revealed that she was a distant relative of the DILG chief, recognized by one of the members of the Abalos family through her photo and name.
Secretary Abalos said he would not tolerate any illegal activities, and no special favors would be given to any relative found violating the law.
The apprehended individuals are facing charges of falsification of public documents with conspiracy, estafa, resistance, and disobedience.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline DILG chief orders arrest of distant relative