Korean's rescue exposes P.8-M shakedown by cops

The successful rescue of an abducted Korean national exposed the alleged extortion activities of anti-illegal drugs operatives of the Manila Police District, officials said yesterday.

Last Saturday, South Korean police attache Consul Park Jangsik sought the assistance of Manila Police District (MPD) intelligence chief Superintendent Leo Francisco to rescue one of his countrymen, identified as Sungjun Byun, reportedly being held against his will at the 10th floor of the Manila Pavilion Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

A team from the District Police Intelligence and Operations Unit led by Chief Inspector Audie Madrideo rescued Byun and arrested his alleged abductor, another South Korean named Seong Mun Kin, 32.

Francisco said Byun had been arrested by the MPD’s District Anti-Illegal Drugs (DAID) Special Operations Group last week while buying shabu from an unidentified drug pusher, who managed to escape.

Kin allegedly paid DAID police officers P800,000 to release Byun and refrain from filing any charges against his countryman.

Kin then brought Byun to the hotel and kept him in the room against his will until he could pay back the P800,000. Byun contacted his girlfriend in South Korea to ask for money, but the girl sought assistance from the Korean police consul.

Francisco said an investigation is ongoing to unmask the four DAID operatives who allegedly extorted the amount of P800,000.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales tasked DAID chief Superintendent Roderick Mariano to explain why Byun was set free with no charges filed despite the recovery of shabu from his possession. “Definitely heads will roll after we finish our investigation,” Francisco said.

Meanwhile, the Manila police filed kidnapping charges against Kin.