Fake cop nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - A civilian police volunteer was arrested by the police for allegedly extorting money from a pedicab driver in a police community precinct in Tondo, Manila Tuesday night.

Police said Jose Magpantay, 41, who claimed to be a policeman with the rank of Police Officer 2, is a civilian volunteer of the Asuncion police community precinct. He yielded a .9mm caliber pistol when frisked. His firearm’s license, permit to carry and several identification cards showed the Moriones police station as his residence.

Chief Inspector Marcelo Reyes, who heads the General Assignment Section of the Manila Police District, led the entrapment operation after receiving complaints from Rexielyn Belza and Jaime Barrientos.

According to the two complainants, Magpantay accosted Barrientos for committing an alleged traffic violation while driving his pedicab along Tabora street in Tondo.

Magpantay reportedly threatened to arrest Barrientos and impound his pedicab unless he coughs up P500.

Policemen of the Asuncion precinct confirmed Magpantay is their civilian volunteer, but denied any knowledge of his alleged activities.

Reyes will also investigate Superintendent Ernesto Tendero Jr. who heads the Moriones police station why Magpantay, a civilian, has been using the police station as his address.

Aside from robbery-extortion and usurpation of authority, the suspect is also facing violation of the Omnibus Election Code for gun ban, which officially ends today.