Two policemen assigned in Mindanao are facing dismissal from the service after they were accused of extorting money from police trainees in exchange for lenient treatment at the span of the training period.
Criminal and administrative charges were filed against Police Staff Sgt. Mark Anthony Palma and Patrolman Gerald Tucas, both assigned to the Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU) Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR).
Police Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon, director of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the they investigated the alleged extortion over reports that the two cops demanded P60,000 from the batch of trainees undergoing Basic Internal Security Operation Course (BISOC).
The battalion commander and the treasurer of the police trainees agreed and withdrew P60,000 from the class fund. The two policemen allegedly received P30,000 each.
"After series of validation and eventual case build-up, criminal charges have been referred at the City Prosecutors Office of Cotabato City for Preliminary Investigation," said De Leon.
"Likewise, administrative complaint for Grave Misconduct, and Two Counts of Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer was referred to the Regional Internal Affairs Service Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RIAS-BAR) for Pre-Charge Investigation," he added.