
Ten operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) were detained and now facing dismissal from the service for allegedly extorting around P18 million from a foreigner and two Filipinos whom they arrested for allegedly possessing loose firearms.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said he already ordered the relief of the 10 errant cops from their Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit and transfer of detention to the PNP Custodial Facility—from being held under restrictive custody at the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Torre said the case stemmed from a police operation on Feb. 17 this year when the 10 policemen raided a warehouse in Tondo, Manila and arrested a female Chinese and two Filipinos.
Citing the statement of the complainants, Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the policemen immediately asked money from the three victims in exchange for their release.
But despite yielding to the demand of the policemen, the three were still apprehended and taken to a place where several firearms were already displayed on the ground. Tye cops also asked for additional money.
The three victims were later charged with illegal possession of firearms and were released after posting bail.
“Based on the narration of the victims, they gave the money,” said Fajardo when asked if the P18 million was given to the policemen.
Such modus is locally referred to as "hulidap" wherein erring cops would arrest people and even plant evidence. They would later demand money in exchange for their freedom and dropping of the case
The investigation into the case started when a complainant went to IMEG to ask for assistance regarding the incident.
Torre, for his part, said that on April 21, the IMEG recommended that administrative cases are to be filed against them for Grave Misconduct, Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer, and Neglect of Duty.
Criminal cases for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention, Unlawful Arrest and Planting of Evidence were also recommended.
“We will not tolerate this kind of incident in the CIDG. We will implement zero tolerance when it comes to abuses and wrongdoings,” said Torre.
“This should serve as a warning to all CIDG members that there will be no leniency to those who will commit even the slightest infraction of ordinance, to violations of laws, and commission of crimes,” he added.