TNVS driver files complaint vs PNP-HPG personnel for extortion

A Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver has filed a complaint before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) against four personnel of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) - National Capital Region for alleged extortion in relation to his impounded vehicle.

In a statement on Tuesday, NAPOLCOM said the complainant was driving along EDSA southbound near GMA-Kamuning MRT Station when he was flagged down by the PNP-HPG due to a supposed defective tail or brake light.

The complainant was then brought to a PNP-HPG police outpost along Mindanao Avenue Extension in Caloocan City, where he was informed that his vehicle would be impounded due to allegedly expired documents.

He was also instructed to submit additional requirements from his financing company to facilitate the release of his vehicle.

While he was processing the release of his vehicle, one of the PNP-HPG personnel allegedly said the release of the impounded vehicle could be expedited for P50,000, which was later reduced to P35,000.

The complainant said he attempted to negotiate for a lower amount and proposed alternative payment arrangements.

The PNP-HPG personnel, however, allegedly insisted that the complainant pay P35,000 in cash.

“In his affidavit, the complainant emphasized that the alleged demand constitutes a clear violation of the law and amounts to extortion on the part of the involved police personnel,” NAPOLCOM said.

“We take these allegations very seriously. Any police officer who uses authority to extort money from the public has no place in the service. This is a clear abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. NAPOLCOM will ensure that those found accountable are held fully liable, and that justice is served without exception,” NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan said. — BAP, GMA News