Multi-awarded airport cop relieved, probed on extortion charge

After just receiving a citation from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) early this month, the airport’s top criminal investigator was relieved on Wednesday from his post on an extortion charge.

MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado ordered Aviation Police Officer 2 Roderick Mejia, a multi-awarded member of the Airport Police Department (APD), suspended as head of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) Police Intelligence and Investigation Division (PIID).

The APD’s PIID is primarily in charge of investigating crimes, which happened within the NAIA complex.

Newly appointed assistant general manager for security and emergency services Jesus Gordon Descanzo will be temporarily wearing two more hats: that of head of both the APD and of the PIID.

According to David de Castro, spokesperson for the MIAA general manager, Mejia was suspended to give way to the investigation on the charge against him.

In a text message, De Castro said, “Mejia was relieved. Investigation is ongoing … AGM SES Descanzo will cover the position until further notice.”

It was learned that the extortion complaint filed against Mejia stemmed from an incident where he allegedly demanded from a transportation solicitor P10,000 cash and a “paltik (an unregistered handgun)” in exchange for dropping charges against him.

The complainant against Mejia had been allegedly caught illegally soliciting arriving passengers from NAIA-authorized taxis to colorum or unregistered cabs.

As a result of the apprehension, the complainant’s security pass was revoked and he was charged for the illegal practice. Mejia’s alleged extortion would have allowed the complainant to continue his allegedly illegal solicitation.

Mejia was among 36 employees cited on June 1 by the MIAA, along with APO2 Jesus Ducusin for their February 18 arrest of an overcharging taxi driver at the NAIA terminal 1.

On May, 2010 he was among APD personnel responsible for the arrest of one of four car thieves preying on vehicles parked at the NAIA.

Mejia was also cited by the MIAA in February, 2014, for his role in the arrest of a taxi driver who stole luggage from NAIA passengers; in March, 2014 after he and three other APD members tracked down and returned a wallet, containing 500 Canadian dollars, P6,500 cash, and credit cards, stolen by a taxi driver from a departing Canadian tourist; and in July of the same year for helping in the arrest of a spare tire thief who habitually stole from vehicles at the NAIA terminal 2 parking area.