Drug suspects accuse 2 Olongapo cops of robbery, extortion

OLONGAPO CITY—Two Olongapo policemen were accused of robbery and extortion by a couple they arrested in a March 3 drug bust here.

The complaint was lodged by Catherine and Ferdinand Pangilinan against PO3 Sherwin Tan and PO1 Bayani Mayoyo before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday (Oct. 19), said PO1 Juan Carlos Ventura, city police public information officer.

Citing the complaint, Ventura said the two police officers allegedly took the couple’s automated teller machine (ATM) card after arresting them in a police operation in Barangay (village) East Bajac-Bajac.

“Tan and Mayoyo reportedly threatened (to hurt) the couple if they would not give the PIN (personal identification number) of their ATM card,” said Sen. Supt. Melchor Cabalza III, acting director of Olongapo City Police Office.

The couple claimed to have lost P112,000 from their account, Cabalza said.

Aside from cash, the two policemen allegedly robbed the couple of grocery items and shoes, and took their two pet dogs.

Cabalza said Tan and Mayoyo were relieved from their posts at the Police Station 1 before the charges were filed. /jpv