San Simon mayor arrested over alleged extortion

PAMPANGA – San Simon Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan, Jr. finds himself in controversy anew after being entrapped by authorities over allegations of extortion.

In a video obtained by CLTV36 News, the local chief executive is seen seated inside a restaurant in Clark, Pampanga, while being read his Miranda Rights on the evening of August 5, 2025.

According to the post-operation report of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), RealSteel Corporation filed a complaint after Punsalan allegedly demanded ₱80 million in exchange for the passage of a resolution favoring the metal company.

Also apprehended during the entrapment operation was Dr. Ed Ryan Dimla, the municipal administrator of San Simon. Both Punsalan and Dimla are facing charges for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

It may be recalled that Punsalan was previously suspended in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024 for several alleged violations of RA 3019.

CLTV36 is still seeking the side of Mayor Punsalan and Dr. Dimla as of this writing.

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