10 Bulacan cops relieved from post over alleged extortion

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday ordered the relief of 10 police officers from Bulacan for alleged extortion.

Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF) commander Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat said the 10 policemen have been charged with cases of kidnapping, robbery in band and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for allegedly demanding cash in exchange for the release of several individuals they have arrested for “unknown crime.”

The 10 police officers were identified as:

• Senior Inspector Wilfredo Dizon Jr.;
• Senior Police Officer 4 Gary Santos;
• SPO2 Christopher Aragon;
• SPO1 Dante Castillo;
• SPO1 Jophey Cucal;
• SPO1 Rolando Ignacio Jr;
• PO3 Dennis De Vera;
• PO2 Rosauro Enrile;
• PO2 Nicanor Bautista; and
• PO2 Chester Say-eo.

The policemen were identified by the complainants who claimed that the cops demanded P50,000 in exchange for their release after they were arrested last May 19.

Albayalde said he is considering reassigning the 10 cops in areas in need of more policemen.

“Unang-una nafile-an na sila ng kaso and they'll be filed administrative cases also at pinapa-relieve na muna natin sila from Police Regional Office 3,” he said in an ambush interview in Makati City.

“Nagbigay na ko ng direktiba as of today na i-relieve muna natin sila temporarily and probably candidate din sila na puwedeng dalhin sa mga lugar na kung saan kulang ang ating mga kapulisan,” he added.

Bulacan Police Provincial Office acting director Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna on Wednesday said San Rafael police chief Superintendent Rizalino Andaya was also relieved from his post over command responsibility. —KBK, GMA News