MANILA, Philippines - Some police officers are reportedly stealing from tourists in malls and hotels in Manila, a police official said yesterday.
Manila Police District deputy director Senior Superintendent Robert Po issued the statement after a Korean tourist reported that a man – reportedly a policeman – stole his bag as he was having breakfast in the Riviera Mansion Hotel Sunday morning.
Yang Hyo Jeung, 55, told Police Officer 3 Adonis Aguila that he and another Korean friend were seated inside the hotel’s coffee shop when a man sat behind him. A few seconds later, Yang noticed that his bag – which contained a laptop, digital camera and other valuables – was missing.
The hotel’s surveillance camera captured the man leaving the establishment carrying Yang’s bag.
Some police officers who saw the footage said the man “closely resembles” a Manila policeman, but Aguila would neither confirm nor deny, saying the case was still under investigation.
Po said he had been receiving reports that some policemen are doing “extracurricular” activities.
“I hope this information is incorrect. However, if it is proven that some of our men are really involved in shenanigans then they are going to face the full force of the law,” he said.
Po said the most common target of thieves are tourists in hotels, eateries, and shopping malls.