2 Laguna cops, 2 others nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines -  Four men, including two Laguna policemen, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Calamba, Laguna last Monday morning for allegedly kidnapping a man and later demanding P15,000 from his family in exchange for his release.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, CIDG director, identified the suspects as PO2 Jonathan Ricamonte, 36, a member of the Los Baños police; PO2 Albert Mamalayan, 29, a member of the Sta. Cruz police; Marco Moncayo, 34; and Renel Palinlagui, 40. 

Pagdilao said the arrest of the suspects stemmed from a complaint of 63-year-old Gloria Montano that her son, Rolando, was being held captive by a certain Sonny.

Police said the young Montano told her mother in a text message that Sonny, later identified as Emerson Silva, of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, was asking for P15,000 in exchange for his liberty.

Mrs. Montano later received a phone call from Silva, instructing her to deliver the money in Crossing, Calamba City.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Jose Nemenzo, chief of the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, together with Kim del Rosario, 22, a close friend of the victim, then proceeded to Calamba City for the entrapment operation last Monday morning. 

A few minutes after the lawmen had taken position at the site, a man onboard a red Honda motorcycle arrived and picked up Del Rosario. The CIDG agents failed to follow the motorcycle. 

At around 2:30 p.m. the same day, Del Rosario appeared at the CIDG office and reported that the victim was being held in a safehouse in Barangay Lecheria, Calamba City.

She also told the CIDG agents that she handed the marked money to a certain Toto who was later identified as Moncayo.

Police promptly launched an operation that resulted in the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the suspects, who now face charges of extortion, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the anti-illegal drug law.  – With Arnell Ozaeta, Ed Amoroso