NCRPO chief orders relief of entire PCP 1 in Western Bicutan

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar on Tuesday ordered the relief of the entire Police Community Precinct (PCP) in Western Bicutan 1 following the death of one cop and the arrest of three others who were supposedly involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities.

"Kabilang sila actually doon sa Police Community Precinct 1, ito ho 'yung nasa Western Bicutan dito po sa Taguig Police Station. Dahil nga dito eh pina-relieve ko na lahat 'yung buong puwersa ng PCP 1 at sila ay ililipat natin sa regional headquarters support group sa Camp Bagong Diwa sa Bicutan at maglalagay muna tayo ng ibang mga personnel doon," Eleazar told GMA News TV's Balitanghali in an interview.

"Hindi natin sinasabi na lahat sila ay involved pero tingnan natin, imbestigahan natin. Talagang medyo nakakapanlumo din 'yung pangyayari na itong apat na ito ay they were involved in robbery-extortion and kidnap for ransom kagabi sa dalawang separate na incidents," he added.

The NCRPO chief already confronted the nabbed policemen identified as Police Officer 2 Joey Maru, the alleged leader of the group, and Police Officers 1 Bryan Amir Bajoof and Paolo Ocampo. The police fatality, meanwhile, was Police Officer 1 Gerardo Ancheta.

Initial reports said the suspects entered the residence of a certain Ronielyn Caraecle's at New Lower Bicutan, Taguig, half-past midnight and carted away P7,000, two gold watches, and branded wallets.

Caraecle and her boyfriend Samuel were then abducted and driven around ARCA South while the suspects demanded P50,000 for their freedom.

Eleazar said authorities would investigate if there are other police officers involved in the illegal activity of Maru's group.

He also urged the public to immediately report any wrongdoing of those in the police force.

"Tayo ay nanawagan sa ating mga kababayan na through our SMS hotline eh ipag-ulat niyo ho ang inyong naoobserbahan o iregularidad ng kapulisan," he said.

"Sana po ay tuloy-tuloy ang aming paghingi ng support at kooperasayon sa ating mga kababayan na hindi po natin ito maaaddress kung di po kayo magrereport sa amin dahil importante po ang inyong kooperasyon," Eleazar added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News