3 cops in alleged shakedown of body cam bidder face expulsion

MANILA, Philippines – Three police officers are facing possible dismissal from the service for allegedly extorting around P5 million from a bidder of body cameras to be used in the drug war.

Philippine National Police officer-in-charge  Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, on Monday said he has ordered the relief of the three police officers from the technical working group of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) as they undergo administrative proceedings.

“In the middle of the post-qualification, I have found out as chairman of the BAC that three of my men in the technical working group were asking money from the proponent,” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“I promised to the members of the BAC that I will dismiss these three police majors and they are undergoing now administrative proceedings,” he added.

He identified the three police officers as Maj. Emerson Sales and Maj. Rholly Caraggayan, who are on absent without official leave (AWOL) status — and Maj. Angel Beros.

Gamboa said the verdict on the three officers may be released this November.

They may also face criminal charges if evidence warrants.

“But I am sure that they will be dismissed because this is also part of our anti-corruption campaign,” he said.

Gamboa added that the alleged illegal activities of the three officers were exposed by one of the losing bidders for the procurement of the body cameras.

The body cameras were supposed to ensure transparency amid the government’s relentless war on drugs marred by alleged involvement of police officers in the killing of innocent civilians.

In 2018, the government allotted P334 million for the procurement of body cameras.

No bidder has so far been selected by the PNP.

Gamboa said six suppliers are undergoing post-qualification process to meet all the requirements. /gsg