Two QC watchmen arrested for extortion

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MANILA, Philippines — Two village watchmen in Quezon City were arrested Tuesday for allegedly demanding P30,000 for the release of a detainee at the barangay hall.

According to authorities, a woman filed a complaint before the Batasan Police Station and alleged that personnel of Barangay Commonwealth were asking for money for the release of a relative arrested for illegal drugs.

Police then launched an entrapment operation which led to the arrest of Benry Pol and Rolando Ferrera, both volunteer village watchmen.

Police said they also rescued 38 people detained at the barangay hall. These were brought to the police station for questioning and might be released if investigators find no basis for their arrest, said Supt. Joel Villanueva, Batasan Police director.

According to Villanueva, people arrested by village officers should immediately be turned over to the police.

Villanueva noted that one of the detainees had been detained at the village facility for three weeks.

The police official told Inquirer.net that females and males were detained inside one cell, in violation of regulations.

The two barangay watchmen were brought to the Batasan Police Station as they face a case of robbery-extortion. /cbb