MPD: Most erring cops are traffic cops      

Most Manila policemen reported to be engaged in extortion activities are traffic policemen, according to text messages received by the Manila Police District after it encouraged people to report “kotong” cops to clean up the MPD’s ranks.

The Task Group Katapat has identified nearly 100 policemen allegedly involved in mulcting and extortion activities, task group commander Chief Inspector Dominador Arevalo Jr. said.

“We are now in the process of validating and documenting the reports for appropriate action,” he said.

Arevalo said most of the complaints ranged from policemen who maintain or protect illegal gambling operations to extortionists and mulcters of vendors and legal traders.

Majority of text messages complained about traffic policemen who wantonly extort from drivers in full view of the public, he said.

MPD director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa has activated the task group to go after rogue policemen as part of a massive crackdown. To ensure the success of the drive, Abarzosa called on the public to report on erring cops through text messages. 

“This task group will only be successful through the support of the public. Rest assured that the police will give ample protection and security to all people who shall give information on the illegal activities of our policemen,” Abarzosa said.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim approved its creation upon the recommendation of retired colonel Felicisimo Lazaro, the mayor’s consultant and adviser on peace and security.

Some texters are even suggesting that the drive against “kotong” cops should not only be centered in Manila but to the entire country as well, according to Arevalo.

“The days of these rogue cops are already numbered. We will go after them and prosecute them in courts,” Arevalo said as he personally inspected the ranks of traffic policemen yesterday.