Cops in P1-M extortion charged with kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve policemen accused of demanding P1 million from a naturalized Canadian citizen has been charged with kidnapping.

Belinda Placido yesterday filed the complaint before the Manila City prosecutor’s office against SPO3 Sonny Nosidal of the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) and Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4 commander Superintendent Rolando Balasabas.

Also charged with kidnapping are SPO1 Renato Gregorio, PO3 Mike Pornilos, PO2 Josefino Callora, PO2 Rolando Ladres, PO2 Dennis Tablizo, PO2 Ryan Malacad, PO2 Laurence Sagum, PO1 Joseph Vistan, and PO1 Journey Joy Asayo.

Placido also implicated PO3 Melvin Pornilos, who was not included in her earlier sworn statement.

She alleged that the officers detained her without an arrest warrant and demanded P1 million in exchange for not pursuing a supposed frustrated murder case against her.

Earlier, MPD director Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez ordered the relief of the cops tagged in the incident.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered the arrest of the policemen. Vistan has surrendered but refused to talk to members of media.