Criminal charges have finally been filed against the seven policemen from the Manila Police District who allegedly extorted money from a group of illegal vendors in Kalaw and Luneta areas.
MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said charges of extortion and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act have been slapped against the policemen-suspects before the Manila City Prosecutors Office.
Coronel identified five of the dismissed officers allegedly involved in the racket as SPO2 Marvin Velasquez, SPO2 Romel Santos Alfaro, PO3 John Gaviola David, PO3 Leo De Jos and PO2 Romeo Rosini Jr.
“They’ve been relieved and transferred to NCRPO [National Capital Regional Police Office] headquarters and criminal charges have been formally filed in court,” Coronel said.
As to the administrative charges of grave misconduct, which has a corresponding penalty of dismissal from the service, MPD chief said these are presently being heard by the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.
“Summary dismissal proceedings are ongoing,” Coronel added.
Coronel said he received orders from Mayor Joseph Estrada to punish the erring policemen if evidence warrants it.
“[Estrada] was angry since he said vendors must not be exploited because they are poor. The police should be the ones who should implement the law,” said Coronel.
About two weeks ago, a group of about 30 illegal vendors rallied at the MPD headquarters to complain about the alleged extortion activities of several Ermita-based policemen.
During their dialogue at city hall, the vendors reported that several members of the MPD-Ermita Station had been forcing them to pay P100 to P200 daily, threatening to drive them away if they refuse to do so.