Dismissed cop nabbed for extortion

CEBU, Philippines - A former policeman, who was dismissed from service in 2009 for getting himself into mischief, found himself in trouble again after he allegedly tried to extort money from a Swiss national while in a plaza located just a few meters away from Talisay City Police Station last Wednesday afternoon.

Frederick Ronduen, 40, who is formerly assigned at the Police Regional Office-7, was arrested by PO1 Mary Jean Legara for allegedly threatening and demanding money from Niklaus Franzen Wildi, a native of Switzerland.

SPO1 Oliver Dacua, desk officer of Talisay City Police Station said that the incident occurred in the plaza just in front of their office.

Ruel Tabilon and Allan Enrile, both from Poblacion, Talisay City witnessed what the former policeman was doing to the foreigner prompting them to help by calling the attention of PO1 Legara.

Ronduen, who hails from Pasay City but presently residing at 510 Greenfield Village, San Roque, Talisay City was then arrested and recovered from his possession were three identification cards, a handcuff, and an order from Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD) SO No. 667 dated June 1, 2009.

During interrogation, it was learned that Ronduen is a former policeman assigned at the PRO-7. In September 2009, he was reportedly de-listed from the PNP list after he was found guilty of charges of illegal possession of firearms on top of the robbery and extortion charges filled against him before the Regional Trial Court after he intimidated and forcibly took some of the DVDs of the vendors along N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City.

Ronduen is now detained at Talisay Police Station detention cell while waiting for the filing of appropriate charges against him. — THE FREEMAN