Cop who ‘rescued’ suspect still at large

Criminal and administrative charges were filed against a Manila policeman who forcibly took custody of a woman arrested by mall guards for shoplifting on Wednesday and then released her without pressing charges.

Senior Police Officer 1 James Pozo of the Manila Police District’s General Assignments Section said PO3 Arnel Olguerra, also a Manila policeman, has not presented himself at the MPD headquarters despite orders for him to show up and explain his actions.

Pozo added that a case of obstruction of justice had been filed against Olguerra in the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

He also said that dismissal proceedings would be initiated against Olguerra.

Olguerra was immediately placed under investigation on Thursday by MPD director Senior Supt. Robert Po, after he was positively identified by SM Carriedo security guards as the one who forcibly took from them a shoplifting suspect, Richelle Nisola.

“He was named through his nameplate and positively identified though a [photograph],” Pozo explained.

Nisola, 31, was apprehended by the department store’s security guards after she was caught stealing P5,000 worth of goods.