7 Manila cops arrested for robbery-extortion

Seven personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) were arrested after taking a man into custody under "fabricated" drug charges, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the NCRPO said the arrested police officers were assigned to Police Station 5’s anti-drug unit, including one lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three patrolmen.

“The arrests were carried out following the swift validation of reports and complaints that exposed the involvement of the said personnel in illegal activities while in the performance of their duties,” the NCRPO said.

“Appropriate charges are now being filed against the individuals involved, who are currently under restrictive custody,” it added.

Based on the initial investigation, a 49-year-old man reported that the police officers arrested him under fabricated drug charges on June 20.

“While in custody, the involved officers allegedly extorted P50,000 from the complainant’s spouse in exchange for release. Although only P20,000 was eventually paid via mobile transfer, the complainant was freed without charges,” the NCRPO said.

According to the NCRPO, the cops allegedly returned the money to dissuade the complainant from pushing his legal action. Recovered from the arrested cops were seven mobile phones used in the alleged extortion, five official police IDs, screenshots of digital transactions and conversations, and remittance records of the extorted amount.

The NCRPO said the police officers allegedly committed robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as obstruction of justice.

“Under the Chief PNP’s core leadership pillar on police accountability, there will be no second chances for police scalawags,” NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin said.

“NCRPO 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 remove from the service, based on due process of law,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News