2 cops nabbed for extortion in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines -  Two rookie policemen and a civilian were arrested yesterday for allegedly extorting P70,000 from a businessman in Pasig City.

Police Officers 1 Edward Panlasigui and Ryann Garcia, both 30, assigned at the Eastern Police District’s district public safety battalion, did not resist when they were nabbed by police officers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said the two policemen’s alleged cohort, Ice Remolleno, was caught in a follow-up operation.

Pagdilao said the arrest of the two policemen stemmed from a complaint by businessman Epifanio Plata, 31, of Upper Bicutan in Taguig City.

Plata said he had been receiving threats through text messages from a person identifying himself as Remolleno, who demanded P70,000 deposited with a money remittance firm for his safety.

Instead of giving in to Remolleno’s demands, Plata coordinated with Pagdilao, who set up an entrapment operation.

The two policemen were arrested after receiving marked money from Plata at a gasoline station at the corner of Julia Vargas and Meralco Avenues at about 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

The suspects are being held in the CIDG headquarters at Camp Crame as charges are being prepared against them.