Metro Manila police director Camilo Cascolan on Friday ordered the relief of 11 police personnel, including the station commander of the Quezon City Police District-Station 11 for alleged extortion.
Relieved were QCPD Station 11 chief Supt. Igmedio Bernaldez, Chief Insp. Erwin Guevarra; PO2 Noel Sanchez, PO2 Dennis Eria, PO1 Edward Ramos, PO1 Michael Eric Ramirez, PO1 Ray John Rodriguez, PO1 Gaudencio Escoton, PO1 Sepzon Suclad, PO1 Ryan Rodriguez and PO1 Leny Atma.
The policemen were restricted to Camp Karingal headquarters pending the outcome of the investigation related to the robbery/extortion cases to be filed against them.
An administrative case will also be initiated by the District Investigation and Detection Management Division (DIDMD) against the arrested anti-drug policemen of PS-11. If proven guilty, all the policemen mentioned will be subjected to dismissal proceedings.
“The arrest of the policemen should serve as stern warning to all personnel who do not cease from their criminal activities,” Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. said.
“Bahagi pa rin ito ng patuloy na ginagawang internal cleansing ng PNP sa pamumuno ni Police Director General Oscar Albayalde at Police Director Camilo Cascolan,” Esquivel said.
The policemen claimed that Lorenzo’s uncle, Flexis Jeffrey Soriano, 40, businessman and driver Efren Ferrer, 45, both from San Carlos City, Pangasinan were arrested for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearm during a buy bust operation by the SDEU personnel of PS-11 on E. Rodriguez corner Tomas Morato, Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City.
The suspects were brought to the Galas PS-11 where they were initially asked to hand over P200,000.00 in exchange for their release.
The said amount was reportedly delivered by Lorenzo Soriano at around 9:20 a.m. inside the SDEU office where the former was told to wait outside for the release of his uncle.
But at 4 p.m. of same the day, the arresting officers again demanded for an additional P100,000.00, prompting Lorenzo to seek police assistance.
Acting on the complaint of Lorenzo, an entrapment operations was set by combined operatives of the District Intelligence Division, District Special Operations Unit and Special Reaction Unit leading to the arrest of the policemen inside PS-11 office.
Cascolan earlier vowed not to tolerate any misdeeds of police officers and warned that chiefs of police will also suffer the consequence if they do not take full responsibility over their personnel.
He also revealed that his office is currently investigating cases of police personnel involved in various irregularities.
Last Tuesday, Cascolan also ordered the relief and the filing of criminal and administrative complaint against three policemen-brothers who confronted a man in his house following a traffic incident in Caloocan City.
The policemen were identified as PO3 Ralph Soriano, assigned at the Northern Police District; and PO1s Rendel Soriano and Reniel Soriano, both members of the Drug Enforcement Group based in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Cascolan assumed his post last month and promised to intensify the campaign against criminality and continue the internal cleansing initiated by his predecessor.
Last year, the NCRPO dismissed from the service 158 Metro Manila policemen, suspended 625, demoted 38 and reprimanded nine others for their involvement in various illegal activities.
NCRPO records also showed that 724 administrative cases were also filed against 1,198 erring personnel.
An administrative case will also be initiated by the District Investigation and Detection Management Division (DIDMD) against the arrested anti-drug policemen of PS-11. If proven guilty, all the policemen mentioned will be subjected to dismissal proceedings.