4 MPD cops charged with extortion

MANILA, Philippines - Four Manila Police District (MPD) policemen were charged yesterday for allegedly illegally arresting and robbing a gay couple.

Senior Police Officer 1 Renato Ablaza, Police Officer 3 Ruel Aguilar, PO2 Patrick Guevarra and PO2 Ronald Robles of the V. Mapa police precinct were charged with robbery and extortion before the city prosecutor’s office, according to Chief Inspector Arsenio Riparip, head of the MPD’s general assignment section.

They have also been charged with grave misconduct, an administrative case that would result in their dismissal.

The policemen, who snubbed an order for them to show up explain their side, have also been relieved together with their precinct commander, Senior Inspector Ronald Leechiu.

They are restricted to the MPD headquarters’ holding unit.

Complainant Michael Hingpit, 38, accused the police officers of arresting him and his boyfriend on V. Mapa street in Sta. Mesa at around 1 a.m. on Aug. 28.

Hingpit said they were alighting from a taxi when the police officers allegedly frisked them and found a sachet of shabu, which he said was planted in his pocket.

The policemen brought Hingpit and his boyfriend to the precinct, took his wallet containing P5,500 and mobile phone and accused them of possessing illegal drugs, the complainant said.

Hingpit said Ablaza hit him on the head when he denied the allegation.

He alleged that the police officers ordered him to call his brother to ask for P4,000 while his boyfriend was forced to shell out P3,000 for their release.

While waiting for their relatives, the police officers allegedly told them to perform oral sex but they refused, so the police officers forced them to clean the precinct instead.

After the police officers received the money, they released the complainant and his boyfriend.