Active-duty cop nabbed for robbing retired colleague

MANILA, Philippines - An active-duty Manila policeman was arrested by his own colleagues after he was tagged as one of two motorcycle-riding armed men who allegedly robbed a retired police official in Sta. Cruz, Manila Wednesday night.

Police Officer 2 Roderick Sena was manning the police outpost at the front gate of the Manila Police District Monday night when operatives of the Theft and Robbery Section invited him for a confrontation with retired police major Jorge David and his wife Rosalinda.

The couple told police that at around 9 p.m. Wednesday on McArthur bridge, their Toyota Fortuner was bumped from behind by a motorcycle ridden by two men, one of whom was wearing a light blue police shirt while the other was wearing a dark blue jacket.

When the couple stopped to check, one of the suspects drew a gun and took a bag containing $940 (P50,000), a man’s wristwatch, a gold necklace worth P160,000 and credit cards.

At the police headquarters, David identified Sena as one of two men who robbed them. Sena is reportedly detailed at the District Headquarters Support Unit, the withholding center for policemen facing criminal and administrative charges. Theft and Robbery Section head Chief Inspector Benigno Macalindong ordered Sena’s immediate arrest.

Sena vehemently denied the accusation and claimed he was drinking with friends when the supposed robbery took place.

Chief Inspector Alberto Peco, who once headed the Integrity Task Force, told The STAR that Sena has been under surveillance over reports of “hulidap” activities. Sena reportedly ties up with a dismissed employee of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau employee in his illegal activities. David suspects it was the dismissed MTPB who was wearing a police t-shirt during the robbery.

Charges of robbery were filed against Sena, now detained at the MPD headquarters, while a manhunt has been launched against his alleged partner.