Cop tagged in PNP recruitment extortion bid

MANILA, Philippines — An aspiring police officer has filed a complaint against a police corporal who allegedly extorted P50,000 from him in exchange for his entry into Philippine National Police, the PNP said on Wednesday.

The victim reported the incident to the Bacolod City Police Office on Tuesday after the suspect allegedly tried to locate him in his residence, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement.

Nartatez did not identify either the victim or the suspect but noted that the latter was a police corporal assigned to the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) headquarters at Camp Montelibano in Estefania, Bacolod City.

READ: Negros Island cop in hot water for allegedly extorting applicant

“The applicant… alleged that the corporal offered to help secure his entry into the PNP in exchange for P50,000,” Nartatez explained.

He said that the victim handed P10,000 in cash to the suspect last April 6 inside the PRO-NIR headquarters, while the remaining P40,000 was transferred to the suspect via electronic wallet.

“The victim later discovered that the corporal had no authority to facilitate recruitment into the police service,” Nartatez added.

He did not immediately disclose the suspect’s current disposition.

Nartatez said that he has ordered the PRO-NIR to investigate whether other individuals were also extorted for a slot in the police force.

All PNP regional offices have also been directed to intensify monitoring of recruitment activities for potential illegal activities.

“To all aspiring police officers, there is no payment, backer, or intermediary required to enter the PNP. Recruitment is merit-based, transparent, and governed by established procedures,” Nartatez said.

“We urge applicants to reject and immediately report anyone who offers guaranteed admission in exchange for money or favors,” he stressed. / gsg