Cop accused of demanding "bribe"

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman assigned to Minglanilla town was accused of soliciting money from a dried fish vendor for the release of his tricycle which was taken into police custody last Apr. 15 at the public market in Barangay Poblacion, Minglanilla.

Loreto Sanchez, 50, of Barangay Calajo-an, Minglanilla, complained before the Provincial Intelligence Branch yesterday that SPO1 Renato Masangcay asked him for P2,000 for the release of his tricycle.

Sanchez said he parked his tangkal-tangkal, a tricycle modified to transport livestock, along the road when it was confiscated by two unidentified policemen.

Sanchez said there was no “No Parking” sign in the area and also questioned why other motorcycles parked in the area were not confiscated.

He added he was also asked by the policeman to surrender his driver’s license.

An hour later, Sanchez went to the police station to get his tricycle but Masangcay allegedly told him to pay P2,000 first. When Sanchez insisted he can only afford P500 the policeman agreed.

Sanchez added Masangcay eventually released his motorcycle and license but he never issued him a receipt.

“Naguba pa gyud ang shock absorber sa akong sakyanan kita ko nga gidumbol sa pulis sa patrol car pero wa na lang ko,” he told reporters.

Sanchez said he sought assistance from the PIDMB not to file a case but to call the attention of the policemen to pay him for the damages.

Masangcay denied all allegations against him saying it was Sanchez who took his tricycle without informing them.

“Normal mana nga naa ta’y daghan madakpan but kanang pagdawat og kwarta wa ta ana,” Masangcay said.

He added they confiscated the tricycle after they saw it was not properly parked, causing congestion in the area.

He said it was Sanchez who asked to get his tricycle in exchange for cash, however, he refused and told him to go to the Land Transportation Office.

Masangcay said he is willing to face any investigation so he can clear his name.

“Dili siguro na ako pero apil lang ko’s dakop,” Masangcay said. –(FREEMAN)