A policeman in Negros Island Region (NIR) is facing possible charges if he is proven to have extorted from an applicant to the police force.

An applicant filed a complaint before the Philippine National Police after the policeman allegedly asked from him up to P50,000 in exchange for acceptance into the PNP.

The policeman is reportedly assigned at the support unit of the Police Regional Office (PRO) headquarters of NIR.

The PNP has opened an investigation into the matter and has disarmed the cop.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of PRO-NIR, said the applicant might have agreed to give the money out of desperation after failing to enter the police force after several attempts.

The applicant found out later that the cop he was engaging with did not have the capacity to accommodate him.

“For how many times na siya nag-apply at hindi natanggap so desperate move na siya. Siguro, ang assurance na binigay sa kanya is maganda. That’s why, nakumbinsi siya and then, na-find out niya na parang wala raw capacity,” Malong said.

If the extortion allegation is proven, the cop may face both administrative and criminal charges.

“This is a grave offense. Why? Once you are found guilty, is ka na ngang law enforcer, you must enforce the law. And then you are found doing this kind of illegal activity. Talagang illegal ito and a case of conduct unbecoming, in case proven,” said Atty. Owen de Luna, Regional Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in NIR.

Malong cautioned the applicants against those who may promise acceptance into the PNP:

“Nobody could let them enter the PNP except themselves kasi screened na sila, may process tayo. Sa part ng kapulisan, never commit this kind of violation,” he said.