Cop arrests man for carrying 'bayawak'

MANILA, Philippines - A man who came to Manila to visit his uncle filed charges against a policeman yesterday for allegedly arresting him for carrying two “bayawak” or monitor lizards and demanding P20,000 for his release last Friday.

Jerry Orgilles, 35, of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, accused Police Officer 3 Jessie Villanueva of robbery extortion, theft, threat and coercion at the Manila Police District (MPD) General Assignment Section.

Orgilles told Senior Police Officer 2 John Cayetano that Villanueva arrested him after got off a bus in Sta. Cruz, Manila because of the lizards he was about to bring his uncle as gifts.

He said Villanueva brought him to the Arranque market, where the policeman sold the lizards for P3,000 and took all the proceeds. Orgilles said Villanueva took him to the Alvarez community precinct and told him he will be charged unless he coughs up P20,000.

He said Villanueva released him when he realized he could not come up with the money.

Sources said Villanueva is no longer with the MPD. He was reportedly transferred to the National Capital Regional Police Office after being charged with illegally releasing a suspect in July.

Villanueva, PO3 Frederick Pastor and Barangay 253 Zone 23 chairman Joel Amores were accused by businessman Juanito Tan of illegally releasing Ernesto Cortez, who is the subject of an arrest warrant for issuing a bouncing check.