2 Pasay cops nabbed for extortion, rape

MANILA, Philippines - Two Pasay City police officers were arrested Sunday for allegedly extorting money and raping a woman who was asking for her partner’s release, an official said yesterday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Llorca told The STAR that he ordered the arrest of Police Officers 1 Jonathan Castro and Marvin Panaga after the victim picked them from a police lineup.

“The two policemen were informed of their Miranda rights and will be charged with robbery, extortion and rape,” he said.

Llorca said the victim filed a complaint against Castro and Panaga, both detailed at the Police Community Precinct 10 in Merville.

The victim’s partner was arrested by the two policemen at around 3 a.m. Saturday for allegedly urinating in public, Llorca said. The two policemen then allegedly accused the partner of possessing illegal drugs and demanded P200,000 in exchange for his release.

The victim pleaded with the policemen, who agreed to reduce the amount. They agreed to receive P15,000, which the victim delivered to the precinct.

The victim said in her complaint that one of the policemen led to a car parked near the precinct and raped her before releasing her and her partner.

Castro and Panaga have been detained pending the filing of charges against them.