MANILA, Philippines — An anti-narcotics officer was arrested for alleged extortion in Balungao, Pangasinan on Thursday.
M/Sgt. Aurelio Pine was apprehended by personnel of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) in Barangay Pugaro at around 6:15 a.m. after receiving P100,000 in marked money from hardware store owner Ricky Sanchez.
Pine allegedly demanded the money from Sanchez in exchange for the removal of his name from the list of criminals in Ilocos region.
IMEG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said they received several complaints and intelligence reports on Pine’s extortion activities.
Pine was disarmed of his 9mm and a .45-caliber pistol.
He faces charges for robbery and extortion as well as dismissal from the service. – Eva Visperas