NCRPO chief Hernia relieved from post for 10 days amid extortion complaint

National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief have been relieved from their posts for 10 days starting Thursday following the complaint in connection with their recent raid in Manila, the Philippine National Police said.

"Administratively relieved from their current position po si Major General Sidney Hernia as the [Regional Director] NCRPO and Major General Ronnie Cariaga, yung director ng ACG na pansamantala po ire-relieve from their positions for 10 days,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said at a press briefing.

(Major General Sidney Hernia, Regional Director of the NCRPO, and Major General Ronnie Cariaga, the director of the ACG, have been temporarily relieved from their positions for 10 days.)

Police Brigadier General Reynaldo Tamondong will take over the NCRPO and Police Colonel Vina Guzman for the ACG as officers-in-charge, according to Fajardo.

PNP chief General Rommel Marbil ordered Hernia and Cariaga’s relief after four Chinese citizens questioned their arrest during a police raid at an alleged scam hub in Manila on October 30.

One of the foreigners also said that the cops even tried to extort P1 million from each of them in exchange for a lawyer who is allegedly connected to the higher-ups at the NCRPO and for their freedom.

Aside from the administrative charges, the Chinese complainants also want preventive suspension to be issued upon Hernia to avoid possible influences on the investigation.

In a statement on Monday, Hernia denied the extortion allegations against him and 14 more cops.

“NCRPO Director MGen. Sidney Hernia categorically denied allegations of extortion made against him and 14 other NCRPO officers, describing them as ‘’absurd and unfounded,’” the NCRPO said in a statement.

Hernia said the NCRPO is open to an investigation and he will not tolerate wrongdoings within their ranks.

“This is a chance for the truth to prevail, and I am confident that the investigation will reveal that all procedures followed were lawful and proper,” Hernia said.

“The NCRPO remains steadfast in its mission to combat criminality and protect the public from fraudulent activities. We stand ready to clear our names and reinforce our dedication to integrity and service,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News