Axed cop arrested for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - A dismissed police officer, previously charged with car theft and usurpation of authority, was arrested again for extortion in Caloocan City yesterday morning.

Former Police Officer 1 Virgilio Sayaman was accused by Cyril Manucom, 50, of demanding P500 from her along P. Zamora street at about 6 a.m.

When Manucom refused, Sayaman reportedly told her he was a police officer, pointed a gun at her and threatened her. Manucom went to the police station and complained, saying this was the third time that Sayaman extorted money from her.

Sayaman was arrested in a followup operation. Police officers seized a .45 caliber gun and five P500 bills from him as well as his police uniform, identification card and badge. The items were still with him despite his dismissal from service.

Last year, Samayan was accused of borrowing a motorcycle and then telling the owner to pay to get the vehicle back. In 2004, Sayaman – who had been dismissed from the police service by then – was arrested in Manila for wearing a police uniform.