Police Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), ordered the arrest of seven policemen who were accused of robbing a Chinese national in a checkpoint in Parañaque City on Thursday night, April 24.

Aberin said the seven cops, all assigned to the Sto. Niño Police Substation 3, are now under their custody and facing administrative charges with a maximum penalty of dismissal from the service.

He said a separate criminal case for robbery/extortion was already filed against the policemen through inquest proceedings at the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office.

Aberin said the policemen involved were two officials and five non-commissioned officers. Another non-commissioned officer, he said, is now being accounted for.

The arrest stemmed from the complaint of the 25-year old foreign businessman that the cops took him to the Sto. Niño Police Substation 3 after they flagged down his car in a checkpoint on Macapagal Boulevard at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.

The victim was then driving on his way to a hotel.

Despite presenting the vehicle documents, the policemen allegedly told him that the documents are fake. He and his car were then taken to the police station.

The foreign businessman was asked to pay P300,000 in exchange for the release of the vehicle. The victim was then forced to pay P100,000 after the policemen agreed to reduce the demand.

The payment was reportedly funneled through the interpreter acting as a mediator.

“The complainant positively identified all suspects during an investigation at Parañaque CPS Headquarters, leading to their immediate arrest. Authorities are now working to secure the testimony of the interpreter involved in the transaction,” said Aberin.

Aberin assured swift administrative and criminal action and stressed that corruption within the ranks will not be tolerated.