2 rookie cops nabbed for extortion in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines—Two rookie policemen were arrested for robbery-extortion in Pasig City, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. saidFriday.

The suspects were identified as Police Officer 1 Edward Galy Panlasigui, 30, of 128-C San Francisco street Plainview Mandaluyong City, and Police Officer 1 Ryann Garcia, 30, of 74-E Bernal St. Rosario, Pasig City, said Pagdilao.

Both policemen were assigned at the Eastern Police District Public Safety Battalion based in Meralco Compound, Pasig City, he said.

Pagdilao said policemen were arrested at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday inside the Caltex Mini Mart along Meralco Avenue corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City after falling in an entrapment operation.

The victim was identified as Epifanio Plata, 31, businessman and a resident of Zone 4, Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, who asked assistance from the CIDG.

Pagdilao quoted Plata as saying that he had been receiving threats on text messages from a person who identified himself as Ice Remolleno, who demanded for P70,000 in exchange for his safety.

The two policemen received the marked money from the victim, he said.