Robredo axes name-dropping cop

Manila, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ordered yesterday the dismissal of a police officer for allegedly using his name in collecting protection money from illegal gambling operators and club owners in Quezon City.

Robredo ordered the National Capital Region Police Office to initiate dismissal proceedings against Police Office 3 Vergel Navarro, assigned at the NCRPO’s Regional Personnel Holding and Administrative Unit (RPHAU).

According to reports, Navarro uses a “civilian” identified as Lito Miranda as one of his collectors in his extortion activities.

Robredo said Navarro had been officially “dropped from the rolls” after he failed to report to his mother unit, particularly his immediate superior, Superintendent Ranny Tapat, chief of the NCRPO-RPHAU.

Robredo said he periodically receives reports of individuals misrepresenting him, his office and other individuals close to him.

 “I have not authorized and never allowed anybody to use my name or office to solicit or collect money from anybody, especially from illegal gambling or from any other form of illegal activity,” he said.

Robredo directed all PNP officials concerned to arrest, investigate and file charges against individuals who usurp his name and office for their illegal activities.