THREE Valenzuela city policemen were arrested on Wednesday night for alleged robbery-extortion, the Northern Police District (NPD) reported on Thursday.
Fifteen 15 other personnel of the Valenzuela City Police Station, including the station’s investigation section chief, were relieved for command responsibility.
In a statement, the NPD said the three policemen were arrested during an entrapment operation along Gov. I. Santiago Street, Barangay Malinta in Valenzuela City.
The operation was conducted based on the complaint of an employer who reported that the policemen demanded P100,000 in exchange for not filing a fabricated theft case against her housemaid.
“Under pressure, the complainant had already handed over P5,000 and issued a post-dated check for P50,000 before coordinating with authorities to arrange the entrapment,” said the NPD.
Seized from the policemen were two firearms, the marked money, and other “personal items” which the NPD said will serve as evidence in the case.
The suspects are now under the custody of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group in Camp Crame.
NPD director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan emphasized the PNP’s zero tolerance against any form of corruption and abuse of authority.
“We remain committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and professionalism in our ranks,” said Ligan.
“Public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing, and we will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the dedication and sacrifice of the many,” he added.
The NPD assured the public that “justice will be served,” adding that “all personnel found to be involved in illegal activities will face the full extent of both criminal and administrative sanctions.”
