‎Police major nabbed over extortion

National

‎A POLICE major was arrested on accusation that he demanded money from a Philippine National Police (PNP) applicant in exchange for assistance in the recruitment process.

The police official is assigned tothe Regional Medical Unit of Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5).

Per a report by Inquirer.net, Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of PRO-5, said the 40-year-old suspect was caught red-handed inside the regional headquarters at Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola on Thursday, June 18.

The officer allegedly demanded P38,000 from a recruit. In return, the major reportedly promised to guarantee the applicant's advancement through the medical examination phase of the current PNP recruitment cycle.

‎

‎PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated the organization's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, ensuring that the suspect will face both criminal charges and administrative summary dismissal proceedings.

Nartatez emphasized that neither rank nor influence provide immunity from accountability, adding that the PNP recruitment process strictly follows a merit-based and "no-contact" policy that is free of charge and protected from unauthorized intervention.

‎

‎The sting operation was a coordinated effort conducted by the Regional Intelligence Unit 5 (RIU-5), the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) Tracker Team, and operatives from the Legazpi City Police Station following intelligence monitoring and verification of the extortion complaint.

PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the arrest underscores the PNP's continuing internal cleansing program. He also reiterated the command's commitment in maintaining a transparent and corruption-free recruitment system where only qualified applicants are accepted into the service.

‎

‎Following standard procedures, the arrested officer was brought to a government hospital for a routine medical examination. The suspect was later turned over and detained at the Legazpi City Police Station.

The suspect is facing charges for robbery/extortion and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.(MyTVCebu)

‎