Ex-lawman preying on tourists in Ermita

MANILA, Philippines - A former Manila policeman, wanted for robbing foreigners in Ermita, struck again, this time reportedly stealing the money of a 74-year-old Japanese tourist, an investigator said yesterday.

Yamuo Nabazaki identified Reggie Dominguez, who held the rank of Police Officer 1, among the photos of suspected criminals when he filed a complaint with the Manila Police District-General Assignment Section (MPD-GAS).

Dominguez’s last assignment was with the MPD Station 9, which covers the Ermita area, before he was dismissed in 2012 over charges of robbery and usurpation of authority, according to Police Officer 3 Jayjay Jacob.

Dominguez, who has a pending warrant for robbery and illegal possession of firearms, was also charged with robbery with homicide in February for allegedly shooting a Filipino man after taking his gold bracelet in Paco last year.

‘Hulidap’

He said at least five foreigners have identified Dominguez as the police officer who reportedly accosted them for an alleged violation then demanded money from them in exchange for not arresting them – a modus operandi called “hulidap.”

The foreigners, believing they have violated Philippine laws, would end up paying Dominguez, Jacob said.

“All the investigators are handling cases involving Dominguez, with foreigners as victims. He is wanted,” he added.

Jacob said Dominguez continues to rob foreigners but “we just do not chance upon him.”

According to Yamazaki, he was drinking beer outside a convenience store in Malate when Dominguez accosted him at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“Dominguez told the victim that drinking on the street is prohibited, but foreigners are exempt from that rule,” Jacob said.

Dominguez allegedly forced Yamazaki to board his Toyota Revo (XLX-636) and robbed him of P6,000 and 30,000 yen.

Previous case

Among Dominguez’s alleged victims is retired United States soldier Adam Miller, who said the former policeman robbed him at gunpoint on May 17.

In a statement he gave Senior Police Officer 1 James Pozo, Miller said he had just come from a ticketing office to rebook his flight when a man wearing a police uniform blocked his path.

He said Dominguez, who was driving a golden brown sport utility vehicle, alighted and asked him for his bag.

“Are you American? Give me your bag. Where’s your passport?” Miller quoted Dominguez as saying.

Miller handed over his bag to Dominguez, which the suspect passed on to his passenger. The passenger, who had yet to be identified, took something out before dropping the bag from the passenger side window.

“I saw them take something out of the bag before they left,” Miller told investigators.

Miller left and went back to the hotel. When he checked his bag, he realized that his wallet, which contained $4,000, was missing.