QCPD sets up anti-kotong Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines - Do you want to report extorting traffic enforcers in Quezon City? Just add up this Facebook page.

Those who would like to send tips to the police could even upload photos or videos they took of enforcers – whether traffic policemen or those from other law enforcement units – while in the act of extorting money from motorists.

As part of its anti-extortion campaign, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has put up the Facebook page with the name “Anti-Kotong Qcpd.”

It uses the e-mail address [email protected]. (DPCR is the acronym of District Police Community Relations).

“We are encouraging the public to report to us these ‘kotong’ traffic enforcers and it would be better if they could provide us with videos for better evidence,” said QCPD deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.

Pagdilao said these reports would be used by the QCPD in going after unscrupulous traffic enforcers.

“Once we get these tips, we could post operatives there for an entrapment,” he said in a recent interview.

During a recent meeting with transport groups, Pagdilao urged them to report to the police if they fall prey to extorting traffic enforcers.

“If they (motorists) don’t complain to us, these extortionists will be bolder in their acts,” the police official said.

Pagdilao said President Aquino has called their attention on incidents of extortion of motorists in certain parts of the city.

As part of the effort to address the problem, the QCPD organized five teams from its headquarters and a team from each of its 12 police stations to work on arresting corrupt traffic enforcers.

Pagdilao called these the “honesty teams,” which he said will conduct counter-intelligence operations as part of the crackdown on extortionists on the road.

Apart from the Facebook page, the QCPD also accepts tips through the cell phone numbers 0917-8475757; 0915-8888181; and 0999-9018181.