Cop, companion nabbed for alleged extortion in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A policeman and his companion, who were allegedly extorting money from two businesswomen, were arrested Wednesday morning in an entrapment operation in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Inspector Edwin Abantes, deputy chief of the Midsayap police, identified the suspects Police Officer 1 Howell Dequita, a member of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group assigned in General Santos City; and Omar Solidad, a bus company employee.

Abantes said the suspects are residents of Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

The suspects were arrested during an entrapment operation inside the Philippine National Bank's branch in Barangay Poblacion 6 in Midsayap.

Abantes said policemen caught the two suspects in the act of extorting money from local businesswomen Lucena Singco and Rena Singco.

Dequita and Solidad allegedly asked for "protection" money from the two women for their buy and sell business in Upper Kiwanan, also in Midsayap.

Superintendent Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato Police Provincial Office spokesperson, said the suspects demanded an undisclosed amount of money from the two businesswomen.

“This prompted the Midsayap PNP to conduct entrapment operation that resulted to the arrest of the suspects,” Tayong said.

Policemen seized .45 caliber pistol bullets and a fragmentation grenade from the suspects' vehicle.

The suspects were temporarily detained at the Midsayap Police Station while charges are being prepared against them. —Williamor A. Magbanua/ALG, GMA News