2 cops charged for coddling thieves in Ermita

MANILA, Philippines - Two policemen from Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 have been formally charged after they were identified by three suspected pickpockets and snatchers as the ones protecting them and dividing the loot they steal from tourists in Ermita.

Senior Police Officer 1 Albert Tec and Police Officer 1 Jeffrey Sumarco were charged Monday night for violation of the anti-human trafficking law in relation to the law on child abuse. The two denied the charges.

Liza Dizon, 37, of Valenzuela City complained that she was robbed on June 15. Police officers arrested Jenelyn Maadil, 25, and two minors aged 16 and 17 along Sta. Monica street in Ermita. The three pointed to Tec and Sumarco as their protectors and told investigators that they deliver their loot to the two men, who “take care of the proceeds.”

They were arrested by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group operatives after the three suspects named them. Tec and Sumarco are being held at the MPD headquarters.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez said he learned of the arrest of the two policemen on Saturday and had them immediately investigated.

“We are not tolerating ‘bad eggs’ in our midst… People like these are not fit to be in the service one minute longer,” Gutierrez said.

MPD General Assignment Section records show that pickpockets and snatchers often prey on tourists in the Ermita area.