POLICE operatives arrested what they said were seven rogue policemen from the Manila Police District on Monday night for robbery-extortion and other charges, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.
In a statement, the NCRPO said the seven policemen were nabbed at around 11 p.m. at the MPD’s Station 5 in Ermita based on a complaint filed by a 49-year-old man, who claimed he was accused by the erring cops of involvement in illegal drugs.
The NCRPO did not identify the policemen — one lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three patrolmen – who are assigned to Station 5’s Anti-Drug Unit.
Initial investigation showed the policemen arrested the complainant last June 20 “under fabricated drug charges.”
The lawmen then asked the complainant’s wife to give them P50,000 in exchange for her husband’s release.
The wife later transferred P20,000 to the policemen, leading to the release of the complainant without any charges being filed.
The victim later lodged a complaint against the seven cops, the NCRPO said.
“When the officers learned that a formal complaint had been filed, they returned the money in an apparent attempt to dissuade legal action,” the NCRPO said.
“This further corroborated the allegations and prompted the immediate conduct of the arrest operation,” added the NCRPO.
Seized from the suspects were seven mobile phones, which were allegedly used in the alleged extortion, five PNP identification cards, screenshots of digital transactions and conversations, and remittance records of the extorted amount.
The policemen are facing charges of robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention and violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice).
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the arrest of the seven policemen is a testament to the PNP’s resolve to ensure accountability among its personnel.
Aberin said internal cleansing is a top priority, adding that NCRPO will ensure that only those who embody professionalism, discipline and integrity will remain in the police service.
“Under the Chief PNP’s core leadership pillar on police accountability, there will be no second chances for police scalawags,” said Aberin, referring to PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
“NCRCO will not allow these criminals to taint the integrity and dedication of those who are doing good in the service. Rogue policemen will be arrested, detained, charged and removed from the service, based on due process of law,” added Aberin.
