QCPD station commander, 10 others relieved over alleged extortion

The commander of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Galas Police Station (PS-11) and nine other cops were relieved from their posts following complaints of alleged extortion on detainees.

According to a GMA News TV Balitanghali report on Friday, the police officers nabbed by a SWAT team early Friday morning were removed as members of the PS-11's Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU). 

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Camilo Cascolan said he also relieved PS-11 station commander, Superintendent Igmedio Bernaldez, for "command responsibility" over the policemen.

Cascolan visited PS-11 and personally questioned the cops on the allegations. He also spoke with one of the six detainees who made the complaint.

"First of all, tinanong ko kung ano talagang nangyari. We are very serious with our internal cleansing," Cascolan said.

"'Yung mga ganu'n po, ina-aksyunan po natin. Nag-extort sila ng perra. Hindi natin tinotolerate 'yan," QCPD director Superintendent Joselito Esquivel.

The sacked station commander had said earlier that he believed the complaints were "legitimate" and  was open to further investigation on the allegations against his men, who are facing administrative and criminal charges in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The report said the nine Galas policemen placed under restrictive custody at the PS-11 were to be transferred to QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal.

The six detainees who made complaints were also set to undergo inquest proceedings.

Interviewed in a separate report, one of the suspects identified as Celso Luna III said the cops conducted a supposed buy-bust operation in arresting them. He also claimed he was punched by one of the officials. "'Yung chief nila, sumuntok po sa akin," he said.

Another suspect, Flexis Soriano, said the policemen said he was taken to a room where the alleged extortion took place. "Bababa daw 'yung kaso," he said.

Another arrested suspect, Erwin Soriano, said: "Saktong kababa ko ng taxi, bigla akong nilapitan. Sumama na ako... Sabi kasi drugs daw po."

The 10 members of the Galas DEU who were:

• Police Officer 2 Noel Sanchez,
• Police Officer 2 Dennis Eria,
• Police Officer 1 Edward Ramos,
• Police Officer 1  Michael Eric Ramirez,
• Police Officer 1 Ray John Rodriguez,
• Police Officer 1 Gaudencio Escoton,
• Police Officer 1  Sepzon Suclad,
• Police Officer 1 John Ryan Rodriguez,
• Police Officer 1  Leny Atma, and
• Police Chief Inspector Erwin Guevarra.

 — Margaret Claire Layug/RSJ, GMA News