Six Cebu City policemen were relieved from their posts while facing investigation on accusation that they were involved in extortion activities.
The six policemen were transferred from the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) to the Cebu City Public Safety Company.
The City Intelligence Branch (CIB) will investigate the case, Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said.
The accusation against the six policemen circulated through text messages.
Although no complainants showed up, Natuel said the six policemen had to be relieved to prevent them from influencing the investigation in case a complainant or a witness show up.
According to the text messages, the six policemen abducted Jeffrey Cabillon and demanded P300,000 for his release.
The alleged abduction was reportedly recorded at the Talisay City police station.
Chief Insp. Alexis Relado, chief of IDMB, defended the six policemen.
Relado said the accusation was a form of harassment.
Relado said Cabillon was arrested on Feb. 8 in barangay Bulacao, Cebu City after he was caught by police possessing an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver.
Police said a big pack of suspected shabu weighing more than five grams was recovered from Cabillon’s possession.
Relado said two cases were filed against Cabillon the next day.
Cabillon is currently detained at Cebu City Jail.
Relado said he was the one who suggested to Natu-el to transfer the six policemen men pending the investigation.
Relado challenged the policemen’s accuser to formally file a complaint so they can defend themselves.