Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), warned on Sunday, April 6, warned all policemen in Metro Manila against using their uniform and badge for illegal activities following the arrest of eight cops tagged in a multi-million robbery in Las Pinas City.

Aberin said the eight policemen from the District Special Operations Unit of the Eastern Police District are now detained at the Las Piñas City Police Station Custodial Facility along with other law offenders after they were charged with robbery, illegal arrest, serious illegal detention and kidnapping.

The eight policemen are now detained at the Las Piñas City custodial facility after they were arrested and charged for the illegal operation involving a foreign businessman who said the cops robbed him of multi-million cash and personal valuables. (photo: NCRPO)

“This should be a stern and resounding warning to all police officers in NCRPO. I will not allow these kinds of police officers to remain in the police service and destroy the good and dedicated service of the majority of PNP members who are doing their job right,” said Aberin.

The eight policemen stormed the house of a foreign businessman in an exclusive subdivision in Barangay Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City on April 2, using an arrest warrant against two Chinese nationals.

The initial investigation revealed that the eight policemen used the arrest warrant for other purposes as it was disclosed that around P85 million worth of cash and jewelry were taken from the Chinese businessman who does not fit the identity of those named in the arrest warrant.

Around P12 million cash were recovered from the eight cops but they claimed that the money will be used as evidence as the Chinese businessmen allegedly tried to bribe them.

The other cash in different denominations and currencies and jewelry have not been recovered.

“Based on the initial result of the investigation, I am convinced that they have a different purpose in going to the house of the Chinese businessman,” said Aberin in an interview over dzBB.

The modus fits the Filipino slang "hulidap", which means erring cops would conduct illegal arrest of civilians wiith the intention of extorting from or robbing them.

But Aberin assured that they will still exercise due process in relation to the investigation into the administrative liability of eight policemen and 23 other cops from the EPD.

Aberin earlier ordered the relief of the entire DSOU and even the EPD director over the incident.

“Those who will be found guilty will face the full force of the law while those who have no participation will have nothing to worry about,” said Aberin.

“After the investigation and if evidence will warrant, I will make sure that they will be dismissed from the service and they will rot in jail for their criminal conduct. NCRPO has no place for police scalawags,” he stressed.