'Hulidap': Seven Manila cops face dismissal for bogus anti-illegal drugs operation
Seven policemen assigned at the Manila Police District are facing dismissal from the service after they were accused of extorting money from a 49-year old man whom they arrested in what a top official of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) described as a bogus anti-illegal drugs operation.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the seven policemen, assigned to the MPD’s Ermita Station, were collared in an entrapment operation based on the complaint of the victim’s wife who told the police that the erring cops were asking 50,000 in exchange for the dropping of the illegal drugs case against her husband.
During the probe, Aberin said the policemen, led by an officer with a rank of Police Lieutenant, arrested a 49-year on June 20 based on made-up drug cases.
While in custody, he said the involved officers allegedly extorted ₱50,000 from the complainant’s spouse in exchange for release.
Although only ₱20,000 was eventually paid via mobile transfer, the complainant was freed without charges. When the officers learned that a formal complaint had been filed, they returned the money in an apparent attempt to dissuade 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 now 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.