Five Manila cops accused of extortion surrender

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing held in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. INQUIRER.net file photo/ Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — Five Manila Police District (MPD) cops accused of robbing and extorting a computer shop owner are now under the custody of authorities, Philippine National Police spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said on Tuesday.

“Kahapon nga po ay sumuko itong limang pulis na nasasangkot nga po sa robbery-extortion case last week,” Fajardo said over radio DWPM.

(Yesterday, the five cops accused in a robbery-extortion case last week already surrendered.)

Fajardo also said Staff Sergeants Ryann Paculan and Jan Erwin Isaac; Corporal Jonmark Dabucol; and Patrolmen Jeremiah Pascual and John Lester Paga have been brought to MPD headquarters.

“Under restrictive custody po sila habang dinidinig ang kaso laban sa kanila,” the spokesperson said.

(They are under restrictive custody while their case is being heard.)

MPD said five police officers, all in plainclothes, reportedly broke into the shop owned by Herminigildo Mateo, 73, in Sampaloc district last July 12.

They first accused Mateo of running an illegal gambling business.

Then, they emptied the outlet’s cash register of money amounting to about P 40,000.

They also demanded a weekly “protection fee” of P4,000 from the elderly businessmen.

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