Probe ordered on police harassment vs traders

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered the city’s legal counsel and the Manila Police District (MPD) to conduct a parallel probe into allegations of police harassment made by a group of Muslim traders that trooped to City Hall yesterday.

Some 300 traders, mostly doing business at the Port Area Commercial Complex, took turns in denouncing the alleged extortion activities of some "unscrupulous" MPD officers, whom they tagged as "terrorists in uniform."

Atienza was represented in the dialogue by his secretary, lawyer Emmanuel Sison and his chief of staff, Pia Sacro.

The traders cited instances when policemen would arrest traders on trumped up drug charges then release them for a fee.

The practice was allegedly repeated last Sunday when operatives of the MPD’s Detective Patrol Unit attempted to snatch a Muslim trader on trumped up charges.

Lailani Macasalong said the policemen seized her yellow Isuzu Crosswind (XJG-153) after her husband Usman managed to free himself from arresting officers.

Witnesses said they saw the officers "planting" shabu inside the vehicle.

Macasalong said she later received calls from men claiming to be Manila policemen, telling her to pay P30,000 for the return of her vehicle, which is currently impounded at the MPD grounds.

She said they will file charges of car theft, physical injury and illegal arrest against the officers before the People’s Law Enforcement Board.

While denouncing the illegal activities of some "misguided" policemen, Sison lamented that the power of mayors was limited to recommending the relief of erring policemen to their superiors.

"Much as Mayor Atienza wants the immediate suspension of policemen involved in illegal activities, he cannot do otherwise, but only order an investigation. It is up to police hierarchy to discipline their men," Sison told the traders.

He added that only the localization of the police force can give powers to city mayors to suspend erring police personnel.

Sison, however, assured the traders that the mayor would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

Acting MPD director Senior Superintendent Rafael Corpuz said he has directed Superintendent Arturo Paglinawan of the General Assignment Section to submit the result of the investigation in 24 hours.

Detective Patrol Unit commander Chief Inspector Joveth Asayo earlier denied allegations made by the traders.