Cebu cop nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman who allegedly extorted money from a motorist was arrested in Cebu City on Wednesday.

S/Sgt. Paul Dennis Traya was apprehended in an entrapment by operatives of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group in the parking lot of a hospital in Barangay San Nicolas at around 3:20 p.m.

Traya, who is assigned at the Mambaling police station 11, reportedly demanded money in exchange for the return of a motorcycle, which was impounded at a checkpoint after its rider failed to present some documents.

The owner of the motorcycle told probers Traya initially demanded P10,000 and later settled for P3,000.

Charges of robbery-extortion are being readied against Traya. He also faces dismissal from the service.

Col. Redrico Maranan, Philippine National Police public information chief, warned policemen not to get involved in extortion and other illegal activities, saying they would be held accountable for their actions.