Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. of San Simon, Pampanga, was detained at the NBI facility in New Bilibid Prison following his arrest in an entrapment operation for allegedly attempting to extort P100 million from a steel company.
The NBI has filed extortion and graft complaints against him, with the duration of his detention dependent on inquest proceedings by a Manila prosecutor.
Vice Mayor Josephine Anne Canlas has assumed the role of acting mayor to ensure the continuity of local government services.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that Punsalan’s arrest was a valid warrantless arrest and that Canlas’s assumption of duties does not require further official designation.
The entrapment operation took place at a restaurant inside the Clark Freeport Zone.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 8, 2025
PAMPANGA MAYOR ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED EXTORTION ATTEMPT
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