Five QC cops face criminal, administrative raps for ‘hulidap’ in San Juan

Five members of the Quezon City Police District are facing criminal and administrative charges in connection with the illegal arrest and extortion they allegedly committed against a 37-year-old in San Juan.

 

Investigation indicated that the victim, Rey Manlapaz, was arrested in what seemed like a buy-bust operation despite the absence of illegal drugs in his possession.

 

Manlapaz alleged that the policemen mauled him in a precinct, took his ring, and demanded P30,000 from him. He said the police threatened that he would be charged for possession of a gun and a bladed weapon if he didn't give the cash.

 

The man was reportedly rescued after seeking help from his brother, who then sought the help of police from both the Quezon City and San Juan police offices.

 

The police officers were identified as PO1 Christian Felipe, PO1 Crispin Cartagenas, PO1 Emmanuel Tabora, PO1 Antonio Timario and PO1 Isreael Cerezo. A certain John Mark Castañeda, said to be a police intelligence asset, was also implicated.

 

Cartagenas, Cerezo and Castañeda are already under police custody.

 

GMA News did its best to get the side of the policemen, who are now under the custody of QCPD Special Operations Unit, but they refused to give any comment.

 

Manlapaz is reportedly determined to pursue the charges against the policemen who now face the charges of unlawful arrest, arbitrary detention, robbery, attempted robbery-extortion,  and physical injury.

 

QCPD director Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao said administrative cases will also be filed against the five policemen.

 

"The Quezon City Police District couldn't say for now how long do these policemen have been engaging in the robbery-extortion activity but what is certain  is that, this is not the first time that they are involved in 'hulidap'," Pagdilao said. -NB, GMA News