2 Pasig cops, police asset nabbed for alleged ‘hulidap’ racket

Metro Manila Police chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar scolds (from left to right) police asset Janus Francisco, Patrolman Arsenio Velardo and Police Corporal Roy Duman-ag for allegedly robbing a civilian Monday night in Pasig City. INQUIRER.net photo / Krissy Aguilar

MANILA, Philippines — Two Pasig police officers and a police asset were arrested Monday night for allegedly robbing a man they accused of being a drug suspect in Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City.

Pasig City Police Station identified the two police officers as Police Corporal Roy Duman-ag, 27; Patrolman Arsenio Velardo, 29; and police asset Janus Francisco, 36.

Police said the suspects shouted “huwag kang tatakbo, adik ka!” at victim identified as Robert Tamondong, 28, while a gun was pointed at him.

The report said the suspects eventually stole Tamondong’s P850 cash and a silver-plated ring.

When the suspects were arrested, police seized from them two caliber 9 mm Beretta pistols loaded with a total of 48 live ammunition, a Swiss knife and the silver-plated ring supposedly belonging to the victim.

“Ayaw natin na ginagamit itong campaign against illegal drugs para sa personal na motibo o advantage, gagamitin ito para pagkakitaan,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Tuesday in a press conference.

Eleazar said all three suspects will be facing charges of robbery with intimidation.

“Sana ito ay maging leksyon sa kanila at magsilbing warning sa iba. Haharap sila sa kasong robbery with intimidation,” Eleazar told reporters.

The two arrested police officers, on the other hand, will also face a separate case of grave misconduct, which may result to their dismissal from police service.

”Doon naman sa ipafile nating administratibo, fifilean natin ng grave misconduct na pwede magresulta sa dismissal from the police service. Ngayon, tinatanggal natin sila sa kanilang pwesto dito sa Pasig City Police Station,” Eleazar said. /jpv