PNP nabs 3 alleged 'payola' collectors in GenSan

The Philippine National Police arrested three suspects in General Santos City who claimed they were connected to high-ranking officials of the PNP and who allegedly collected millions in “payola” or protection money from illegal gambling operators in Mindanao.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Friday, authorities observed the suspects for over a week while they collected up to P2.5 Million in payola.

The suspects reportedly dropped the names of PNP Chief Police General Rommel  Francisco Marbil and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)  Director Police Major General Leo Francisco in their endeavors.

Police also seized guns and grenades from the suspects during their arrest.

“Ito ay manifestation na kami ay hindi nagpapagamit. Wala kaming ginagawang  ganyan kaya I want to tell the public na hinuhuli po talaga namin ang  mga gumagamit sa pangalan namin,” said Francisco.

(This is a manifestation that we don’t let anyone use us. We don’t do anything like that so I want to tell the public that we arrested those who use  our names.)

“Yung isang suspek sinabi na pamangkin ko siya [at] related ako sa kanya. So yun yung isang modus na ginagamit nila,” he added.

(One of the suspects said he was my nephew and I was related to him. So, that was a modus they used.)

The CIDG added that this was a usual criminal ploy whenever new officials take up their positions.

They will also be looking into the extent of the suspects' operation and if they have any actual connection to anyone at the PNP.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the suspects for comment. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News