CDO traffic police chief, subordinate nabbed for alleged extortion

Two weeks after the arrest of a high-ranking police official in Pampanga for alleged extortion, the head of the traffic unit of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office and his subordinate were nabbed allegedly for the same illegal activity.

Members of Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation-Region 10 apprehended Supt. Michael John Deloso, chief of COCPO Traffic Unit, and PO3 Ernesto Galleto, also assigned with Traffic Unit.

A press release said the two were arrested inside a hotel in the city around 1:30 p.m. on March 17. There was no detail on the incident that led to the arrest except that it was for alleged extortion.

PNP Region 10 head Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Genabe, Jr. has ordered the relief of Deloso and Galleto from their assignment.

He also directed the COCPO Investigation and Detective Management Branch and Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division to coordinate with NBI for the filing of administrative cases against the two.

On March 4, the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrrested Police Insp. Bienvenido Reydado, provincial chief of Pampanga CIDG, together with six others were allegedly involved in a modus operandi called "agaw bato."

Reydado allegedly "recycles" illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly referred to as "shabu," that were seized from legitimate anti-drug operations.

He was also said to "negotiate" the release of drug traffickers, particularly Chinese nationals, in exchange for money.

Reydado of PNPA Class '99 assumed his post only a little over six months ago. Prior to his appointment to the CIDG, he faced an administrative charge also related to drug trafficking. The charge, however, was dismissed.

During the arrests, police seized from Reydado and his group five high powered firearms, 11 pistols, magazines, five sports utility vehicles, two motorcycles and P2.6 million cash "believed to be proceeds" from selling confiscated shabu.  — Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News