Bataoil warns Ilocos cops engaged in extortion

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The happy days of mulcting police officers in the Ilocos region are numbered.

"Never under my watch. That is one thing I emphasized to them," said Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, the new regional police director.

"Never should anyone of my boys in Region 1 be involved in kotong (extortion) or hulidap," added Bataoil, who was here yesterday to pay a courtesy call on Gov. Victor Agbayani.

With this house rule, he said police officers would be able to gain the cooperation, sympathy and support of the people they serve.

Bataoil said the public can report to him directly any erring police officer at his cellular phone number (0917-8979563).

He added though that the public can also commend policemen who are doing their jobs well.

Meanwhile, Bataoil said he would adopt the pass cards for truckers which the Northern Police District in Metro Manila had issued under his leadership.

He said a pass card would identify the truck and its destination at any given time. Otherwise, any discrepancy would force police officers manning checkpoints to hold the goods being transported.