Wanted for robbery, rookie cop arrested in Manila

A rookie policeman facing robbery charges was arrested by operatives of the Western Police District’s Special Weapons and Tactics while attending a birthday celebration in a restaurant in Binondo, Manila last Friday noon.

Police Officer 1 Edwin Roma, 28, of Tondo, and detailed at the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is allegedly the brains behind the series of "hulidap" incidents involving wealthy Chinese businessmen, according to intelligence reports.

Roma would allegedly introduce himself as a cop and make up charges against his intended victim in exchange for large amounts of cash.

If his "milking method" does not work, Roma would simply rob the victim, threatening him with his service firearm.

The suspect usually operates in the Binonodo area, according to reports.

Police said Roma has a standing warrant of arrest for two counts of robbery at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 30 under Judge Lucia Purugganan.

His latest victim was allegedly a Filipino-Chinese businessman who lost more than P1 million in cash.

Last Friday noon, a police informant tipped off the SWAT operatives of the presence of Roma at the Golden Palace Restaurant along Quintin Paredes street in Binondo.

Roma surrendered voluntarily to the SWAT team. His caliber .9 mm service pistol was seized.

A number of Roma’s victims turned up at the WPD headquarters yesterday upon learning of his arrest. They vowed to see to it that the errant cop gets locked up in jail.

Roma’s colleagues are wondering how he was able to continue with his police duty for several months despite having been charged with two counts of robbery in September 2004.– Nestor Etolle