Extortion-linked cop posts bail

CEBU, Philippines -  A police officer charged for direct bribery has been freed from detention after posting P20,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Police Officer 2 Joselito Laspiñas of Waterfront Police Station was accused of extorting money from Michael Detuya, a resident of Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, for the release of his common-law wife, who was detained for qualified theft.

Detuya on Monday sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation-7 alleged that the accused demanded money from him for the release of Jennifer Lantaca.

Acting on the complaint, the NBI led by special investigator Teodoro Saavedra conducted an entrapment operation leading to the arrest of the accused.

The accused during inquest proceeding before Prosecutor Noel Cellona of the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office manifested to face the charges in court.

He chose not to file counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence to negate the allegations filed against him.

Cellona then recommended the filing of direct bribery case before the Regional Trial Court which was approved by City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon.

He recommended P20,000 bail.

Lantaca who works as sales lady was arrested by the members of the Waterfront Police Station on July 26, 2014 for qualified theft.

On Monday dawn, Detuya said before going to the office of the NBI, he had met with the accused at the back of the police station. Therein, he said he was told by the accused that he can process the release of Lantaca.

Detuya in an earlier interview offered to give P4,000 to the accused.

It was Executive Judge Soliver Peras of the RTC who signed the release order for Laspiñas. —/JMD (FREEMAN)