MANILA, Philippines—Two Valenzuela city policemen have been relieved of their posts after vegetable dealers passing through MacArthur Highway accused them of extortion.

Police Officer 3 Ariston Gamit and PO1 Michael Pascual, both members of the Police Community Precinct 6 in Dalandanan, Valenzuela City, were temporarily assigned to the Valenzuela City Police Station administrative office pending an investigation into the allegations against them.

Superintendent Nestor Dioso, Valenzuela deputy police chief, on Monday said the two policemen were ordered relieved to avoid speculations of a whitewash.

The two came under investigation after a report submitted to the Northern Police District disclosed that the office of Philippine National Police chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa, received a text message from a vegetable vendor who accused Gamit and Pascual of extorting money from Bulacan traders who regularly pass through the highway.

“We are taking complaints like this very seriously because it affects the Valenzuela police department as a whole,” Dioso said.