LOOK: Text messages show ‘conspiracy’ of cops in extortion case

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) released on Wednesday photos of text message threads between an arrested police officer and his alleged accomplices in the Eastern Police District (EPD) as proof of their alleged conspiracy in a robbery-extortion case.

Cpl. Marlo Siblao Quibete of the EPD District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU) was arrested in an entrapment operation in Pasig City Tuesday night after allegedly receiving P20,000 in marked cash from complainant Eva Cabansag in exchange for dropping drug charges against her live-in partner, Aries Ochoada.

Aside from the marked cash, Quibete also allegedly took from the woman P60,000 in cash and a gold necklace. He also allegedly forced her to sign a deed of sale for their motorcycle.

In the text messages released by the NCRPO, Quibete was documented to be communicating with Maj. Allan Miparanum, chief of the EPD anti-narcotics team, and with Master Sgt. Ryan Escorial, Staff Sgt. Frederick Nervar Jr., and a certain “PO3 Roque.”

Under the previous police ranking system, PO3 stood for Police Officer 3, which is equivalent to “Staff Sergeant” in the current system.

Photos from the NCRPO

Photos from the NCRPO

Photos from the NCRPO

After Quibete’s arrest, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO chief, ordered all 15 members of the police unit relieved as they face investigation.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde has ordered Eleazar to expedite the criminal and administrative proceedings against the arrested officers. /atm