Metro police hunt 4 of 6 cops accused of extortion-kidnapping

National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina

MANILA, Philippines—Authorities have launched a manhunt on four police officers who were among the six policemen allegedly involved in a kidnapping case last week.

Director Leonardo Espina, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said he ordered Monday the summary dismissal proceedings against the officers.

The six were accused of abducting  Jinilind Rodriguez, 41, and Kevin Bajar, 23, who were arrested in Parañaque last Wednesday for alleged possession of suspected illegal drugs.

The officers also allegedly asked P40,000 from Rodriguez and Bajar in exchange for their freedom.

Two of the six policemen – Police Officer 2 Herminigildo Emasa Gajeto Jr. and Police Officer 1 Ryan Hallegado Manga – have been arrested.

Espina ordered their guns and badges seized.

The four other officers were identified as Police Officer 1 Domingo Abarico Jr., Police Officer 2 Michael Marcos, Police Officer 2 Rigor Octaviano and Police Officer 1 Dennis Quinto.

They remained at large Monday, but NCRPO operatives have launched a manhunt against them.

Investigation showed that Rodriquez and Bajar were allegedly caught in possession of suspected illegal drugs in Muntinlupa City last Wednesday.

But the arresting officers  told the duo they would be released if they shell out P40,000, which was later reduced to P12,000

Rodriguez asked the help of her sister, Michelline Rodriguez (the complainant), to produce the amount.

She then reported the extortion to the Anti-Kidnapping Group which planned an entrapment operation.

During the pay-off on Pascor Drive, Sucat Road, Barangay (village) Sto. Niño in Parañaque City, elements of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) arrested PO2 Gajeto and PO1 Manga but the other four officers were not around.

A background showed that Gajeto, Marcos, Manga, Abarico, and Quinto have pending administrative case.

The six cops are now facing kidnapping for ransom, robbery extortion, unlawful arrest charges on top of the administrative case.