MPD cop caught extorting

A Manila policeman currently facing administrative charges for corruption was arrested along with two civilian accomplices by his colleagues late Monday after he was allegedly caught in the act of extorting from an American tourist.

According to Superintendent Jojo Rosales, Ermita police station chief, a parked taxi in Ermita caught the attention of one of his police patrol cars. Inside were three men, one of them a Caucasian, tourist Evan Turner.

Behind the taxicab was a Toyota Revo which was recognized by the police as the same vehicle being used by Police Officer 3 Eduardo Cayabyab in his extortion activities in the past.

Cayabyab, 34, is detailed at the Manila Police District’s withholding section.

The two vehicles sped away when the police went over to check, resulting in a brief chase. The Revo and the taxi were caught along Apacible Street in Ermita.

Inside the Toyota was Cayabyab at the wheel. With him were Turner’s two Filipina escorts, who told the arresting officers that Cayabyab had abducted them. They also alleged that Cayabyab was extorting money from Turner. They also accused Cayabyab of groping them while in the guise of searching them for illegal drugs.

Turner told police that Cayabyab framed him for illegal drug possession and was demanding money for his release.

Charges of robbery extortion, illegal arrest and acts of lasciviousness were filed against Cayabyab and his two civilian cohorts, taxi driver Ronald Caparros, 25, and Larry dela Cruz, 22.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza gave Cayabyab a scolding when he was presented by the MPD to him and to the media yesterday in a press briefing.

"This kind of policeman should indeed be weeded out from the service. He is even using his uniform to sow fear among tourists in the city," Atienza said. Cayabyab has reportedly confessed.

MPD acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa has vowed to rid his command of rogue officers.