PNP-IMEG: 3 MPD cops nabbed for alleged robbery-extortion

Three Manila Police District (MPD) cops were arrested in Ermita for alleged robbery-extortion, the Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the PNP-IMEG identified the suspects as 34-year-old Police Staff Sergeant Erwin Licuasen, 33-year-old Police Corporal Chimber Importa, and 39-year-old Police Patrolman Leopoldo Tuason.

The cops allegedly demanded P2,000 from a driver in exchange for the release of his impounded tricycle, PNP-IMEG Director Police Brigadier General Warren de Leon said.

Authorities conducted an entrapment operation at the Paco Police Community Precinct-Police Station 5, where the suspects were assigned.

“The said personnel were arrested after receiving marked money amounting to P2,000 from the complainant in exchange for the release of an impounded tricycle that was earlier apprehended for a traffic violation,” De Leon said.

Recovered from the suspects were two P1,000 bills; three cellphones; three short firearms; a blotter book; six magazines with 92 rounds of ammunition; and a motorcycle.

The arrested suspects were brought to the IMEG Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City for proper documentation prior to inquest proceedings at the Prosecutor’s Office, the IMEG said.

PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the Internal Service Affairs unit would investigate the incident.

“As a matter of standard procedure, I am directing our IAS to probe the alleged extortion involving our personnel. We don’t tolerate rogue cops in our organization, so we will let them answer the allegation,” he said.

“Pieces of evidence are now being prepared for the filing of cases before the Prosecutor’s office,” he added. — DVM, GMA News