06/08/2025
SAN SIMON, PAMPANGA — San Simon Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. was arrested on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, following a successful entrapment operation conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over allegations of extortion.The mayor was apprehended after allegedly demanding and receiving an undisclosed amount of money from a complainant, believed to be a local businessperson. The operation was reportedly carried out in coordination with the Department of Justice after the victim came forward and filed a formal complaint.Following his arrest, Mayor Punsalan was brought to the NBI office and is scheduled to undergo inquest proceedings today. The process will determine whether a formal charge will be filed and whether the suspect will remain in detention or be released pending further investigation.Officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the details of the extortion case, but sources close to the investigation reveal that this may be connected to alleged “pay-to-play” schemes involving permits and local government transactions.The arrest sent shockwaves through the political circles of Pampanga, with several local officials expressing surprise at the sudden turn of events. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is expected to release a statement regarding the mayor’s status and the possible designation of an officer-in-charge.This development comes amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s repeated calls for clean governance and a crackdown on corruption in both national and local levels.Mayor Punsalan has not issued any public comment as of press time.