Anti-graft office says cop demanded cash from detainee

THE anti-graft office affirmed a ruling which found a policeman liable for allegedly demanding P70,000 from a detainee in 2008.

The Office of the Military and Other Law Enforcement Office found probable cause to elevate robbery charges against SPO2 Edgar Perea to court.

In his resolution, graft investigation and prosecution oficer Conrado Estreller Jr. gave weight to the allegations of the complainants compared to the denial of the accused.

Perea sought reconsideration from the anti-graft office but his request was denied.

The issue stemmed from the complaint of Ronnie Hernani who was arrested by Perea and other policemen for illegal possession of firearms.

Hernani claimed that he was brought to the house of a policeman who demanded P100,000 for his release.

He failed to get the cash and so he was detained.

During his detention, Hernani said Perea again asked P100,000 from him so that no charges would be filed against him.

He agreed to pay P70,000.

Despite this, he was still charged in court. He posted bail and sought the National Bureau of Investigation’s help. /Ador Vincent S. Mayol