The Philippine National Police (PNP) said National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief Police Major General Ronnie Cariaga were transferred due to complaints over a police raid in an alleged scam hub in Manila.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Hernia was assigned as officer-in-charge of Area Police Command (APC) Southern Luzon while Cariaga was assigned as the commander of APC Northern Luzon.
“The PNP decided to put them in [these positions] because while waiting for the final disposition as to their status. So it’s a waste of their expertise,” Fajardo said at a press briefing.
The PNP spokesperson also said that the two police officials took over the vacant positions in the APCs following the retirement of some senior officers.
Hernia and Cariaga have been relieved from their posts for 10 days after four Chinese nationals 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 police who were with the operation 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.
Hernia, on the other hand, made a statement denying the extortion allegations against him calling it ‘’absurd and unfounded,” and 14 more cops according to the NCRPO.
“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 that 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.
