The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “Jun” Punsalan Jr. and his associate Ed Ryan Dimla for alleged extortion, graft, and illegal possession of firearms.
Authorities apprehended Punsalan and Dimla in Clark, Angeles City on August 5, 2025, following an entrapment operation.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed on July 30 by the Corporate Secretary and General Manager of RealSteel Corporation. The complainant reported that a man named Eric Yabut, claiming to be an officer of the San Simon local government, ordered the company to stop its construction and hauling activities. The complainant was later contacted by Dimla, who introduced himself as the External City Administrator and a representative of Mayor Punsalan.
Dimla allegedly demanded ₱30 million in exchange for the municipality’s non-interference in the implementation of Ordinance No. 24-0025, which grants tax incentives to RealSteel. An additional ₱125 million was allegedly demanded as reimbursement for the mayor's supposed political expenses.
Investigators discovered that Dimla issued threats, warning that failure to pay would result in the revocation of the company's business permits and cancellation of its tax incentives.
In the entrapment operation, the complainant agreed to meet in Clark to finalize the transaction. Punsalan and Dimla were caught in the act receiving marked money.
The suspects were brought before the Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) on August 6 for inquest proceedings.
They face charges for robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code, violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and violation of Section 28 of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms).
