Cop arrested for alleged extortion

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman accused of demanding money in exchange for not filing charges fell in an entrapment operation yesterday afternoon at the Mandaue City Palace of Justice.

National Bureau of Investigation-7 operatives led by lawyer Bernard dela Cruz arrested PO2 Leopoldo Palconit Jr. of the Liloan Police Station based on the complaint of Jeppherson Manongas.

Manongas alleged Palconit and PO2 Gabriel Opoc Jr., demanded P160,000 in exchange for not filing a complaint for illegal possession of firearms against him.  The policemen likewise allegedly told him they will drop drug charges against Dennis Dave Sarmiento and Ivoney Capito.

Earlier, Liloan policemen allegedly raided without a warrant the rented house of Manongas Barangay Fatima, Liloan, Cebu which led to the arrest of four persons and the confiscation of Manongas’ ‘licensed firearm.’

Manongas said last Monday he went to the Liloan Police Station to get his gun but was allegedly approached by Palconit and asked to settle the case.  He added the settlement was reduced to P60,000 and the money will be given to Palconit at the Palace of Justice. However, he told Opoc and Palconit he can only give a partial payment of P20,000.

Yesterday, at 2 p.m. after the transaction was consummated, NBI agents arrested Palconit.  They recovered P20,000 and the .45 cal. pistol owned by Manongas.  Palconit was then brought to the NBI office.

Meanwhile, a policeman assigned to the Police Regional Office-7 Regional Headquarters Service Group was arrested for alleged violation of Republic Act 7610 or violence against women and children yesterday.

PO2 Diego Abad, 41 was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Bienvenido Saniel Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 20.

PO2 Janelle Junco of the Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk of Guadalupe Police Station said the case against Abad was filed by his wife and two daughters last year.

SPO1 Julieto Bequilla of the Guadalupe Police Station, one of the arresting officers, said they verified in court that Abad has a release order, thus they released him at past 1 p.m. yesterday, two hours after inviting him.  –(FREEMAN)