‘Kotong’ cop nabbed in Manila

A traffic enforcer of the Manila City Hall was arrested by the police while in the act of extorting money from a motorist over an alleged traffic violation in Tondo the other day.

P200 marked money was recovered from Christopher Caraig, 24, of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), by the Manila Police District (MPD) “honesty team,” led by Chief Inspector Alberto Peco.

Caraig’s arrest stemmed from a complaint by Luzviminda Alberto, 27, a credit investigator, over his alleged “kotong” or extortion activities.

Alberto said she was driving her motorcycle (CL-5982) when Caraig stopped her for allegedly beating the red light at the corner of Abad Santos and Hermosa streets in Tondo.

Alberto said Caraig demanded P700 in return for not impounding her motorcycle. Alberto haggled until Caraig agreed to P200. She pretended to get the money from a relative, but went to the MPD for  assistance.

Caraig is currently detained at the MPD’s integrated jail as charges of robbery-extortion were filed against him.    – Nestor Etolle