MMDA traffic constable nabbed for robbery-extortion in Pasig City

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been arrested for robbery-extortion in Pasig City.

A report from the Eastern Police District identified the suspect as MMDA Traffic Constable II Disodado Dela Cruz, 33 years old. He was arrested Thursday along Marcos Highway.

Based on the initial investigation, truck driver Francis Leo Lucero, 30, was flagged down by Dela Cruz, who initially asked for his documents and informed him that he was driving a “colorum” truck.

Dela Cruz then allegedly demanded from the victim P20,000, which was later reduced to P18,000, supposedly so that his truck would not be impounded.

After the victim handed the money to Dela Cruz, he sought assistance from a policeman of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) who was on standby near Marcos Highway at the time. 

The policeman then arrested Dela Cruz, and the victim was able to retrieve P9,000 from the suspect. However, Dela Cruz’s alleged five companions managed to escape with the rest of the money.

The suspect was brought to the Pasig Police Station Headquarters and is currently detained at the Pasig City detention cell facing charges of robbery-extortion. /kga