Seven policemen assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD) are facing dismissal after allegedly extorting money from a 49-year-old man in a fabricated anti-drug operation, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin.
The officers, all from MPD’s Ermita Police Station and led by a police lieutenant, were apprehended in an entrapment operation following a complaint filed by the victim’s wife.
She alleged that the officers demanded P50,000 in exchange for dropping the drug charges against her husband, who was arrested on June 20 in what authorities later deemed a bogus case.
Investigators said that although the wife only paid P20,000 via mobile transfer, her husband was released without charges.
Upon learning that a formal complaint had been filed against them, the officers returned the money in an apparent attempt to dissuade further legal action.
“The arrests were carried out following the swift validation of reports and complaints that exposed the involvement of the said personnel in illegal activities while in the performance of their duties,” said Aberin.
“The immediate arrest of involved PNP personnel reflects the uncompromising enforcement of accountability within the police force. Internal cleansing remains a top priority, and NCRPO is committed to ensuring that only those who embody professionalism, discipline, and integrity will remain in service,” he added.
Seized from the policemen were seven mobile phones used in the alleged extortion, five official police IDs, screenshots of digital transactions and conversations and remittance records of the extorted amount.
The cops face cases of robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, and violations of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and PD 1829 (Obstruction of Justice).
Aberin said the operation was in line with the instruction of national police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to focus on police accountability.
“There will be no second chances for police scalawags. NCRPO will not allow these criminals to taint the integrity and dedication of those who are doing good in the service. Rogue policemen will be arrested, detained, charged and removed from the service, based on due process of law ,” said Aberin. (Aaron Recuenco)
