Cop charged for taking detainee’s cell phone

MANILA, Philippines - A Manila policeman was charged with robbery before the prosecutor’s office yesterday for allegedly taking a detainee’s cell phone as “payment for his hard work.”

Police Officer 2 Aaron Cortez of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4 allegedly detained Angela Christine Apilan after she voluntarily surrendered on June 19 to clarify the illegal recruitment charges against her, according to a report by Senior Police Officer 1 James Poso and Police Officer 3 Gilbert Isole.

In a phone interview, Apilan said that she was “surprised” when Cortez suddenly jailed her when her purpose was to clear up the cases against her.

“He detained me for three days before filing any case with the prosecutor’s office. And then he said he can help secure my release in exchange for P50,000. He said the money will be used to bribe the prosecutor,” Apilan told The STAR.

Apilan said Cortez told her that her case is non-bailable, contrary to what her aunt informed her.

“According to my aunt, the case will not prosper and I’ll be released for further investigation,” she said.

Apilan said her release order came out on June 26 but Cortez freed her only on the 29th after they gave him P5,000. Apilan said they promised to give Cortez the remaining amount once she is released.

“He also took my phone. He said it’s my payment for his hard work because for processing all the complaints against me,” she said.

Poso said the MPD’s General Assignment Section summoned Cortez but he did not appear last Sunday.