Social media personality Franco Mabanta arrested over alleged extortion

The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested social media personality Franco Mabanta over alleged extortion.

The agency's director, Melvin Matibag, confirmed the apprehension to the Philippine STAR on May 6.

A report from News 5 said Mabanta and four others were arrested during an entrapment operation. The Peanut Gallery Media Network founder and CEO allegedly attempted to extort P350 million from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over issues linked to a flood control project.

Authorities said the blackmail was decuded to P300 million, to be paid in four tranches of P75 million.

Mabanta has denied the allegations.

Mabanta formerly served as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s social media strategist while the latter was still a senator.

This is a developing story.