10 CIDG cops under custody over alleged robbery extortion, kidnapping

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday said 10 of its personnel were under custody for alleged robbery extortion and kidnapping during their raid in Tondo, Manila.

In a statement, the CIDG said the police officers conducted a raid in a warehouse at First Tondo Complex on February 17 for alleged violation of the firearms law.

They brought the arrested individuals to the CIDG-Southern District Field Unit office in Taguig City.

“Allegedly afterwards, the accused personnel demanded monetary consideration in exchange for their release,” the CIDG said.

In a press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told reporters the three complainants said that the cops asked for P18 million.

“Hiningan po sila ng pera at nagbigay po sila. Kaya raw po sila nagbigay as an exchange para raw po ma-release po sila. After po nilang magbigay, sabi po ng mga complainant sinakay sila sa sasakyan, she said.

(They were asked for money and they gave it. They gave it so that they could be released. After they gave it, the complainants said they were put in a vehicle.)

“Inilipat po sila sa isang lugar. Doon merong mga nakalatag na mga baril po at pinaturo po sa kanila 'yung mga baril na 'yun at pagkatapos naghingi pa po ng additional pera pero hindi na po sila nakapagbigay,” she added.

“They were moved to another place. There were guns lying around and they were told to point to those guns and then the cops asked for additional money but the complainants were not able to give it.)

They were released the next day, according to Fajardo.

The ranks of the police officers involved range from patrolman to lieutenant colonel.

CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III relieved the 10 police personnel and reassigned them to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section, Administrative and Resource Management Division.

The accused cops were placed under restriction at the PNP Custodial Facility while their issued firearms and badges were immediately recalled.

Administrative cases were recommended to be filed against them including grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, neglect of duty under NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002.

These are in relation to kidnapping and serious illegal detention and unlawful arrest under the Revised Penal Code as well as planting of evidence under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“Hindi ko papayagan at ito-tolerate ang mga ganitong pangyayari sa CIDG.  Ito ay bahagi ng pagsunod at pagsuporta sa programa ng ating Chief PNP General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil na zero tolerance sa ganitong mga gawain,” Torre said.

(I will not allow and tolerate such incidents in the CIDG. This is part of following and supporting the program of our PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil of zero tolerance for such activities.)

“Sadyang nakakalungkot nga lamang na makakita ng ganitong mga pagkakataon kung saan ang ilan sa ating mga tauhan ay nawawalay pa rin ng landas,” he added.

(It is simply sad to see such instances where some of our personnel still lose their way.). —AOL, GMA Integrated News