CIDG Metro Manila chief, 12 cops axed for ‘hulidap’

The chief of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region and 12 other CIDG officers were relieved from their posts yesterday over allegations of shakedown and robbery of a group of Chinese businessmen in Parañaque City.

Col. Hansel Marantan was relieved for command responsibility.

Marantan recently received an award for the raids on the property of Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, which yielded several unlicensed firearms and explosives.

Marantan and 12 operatives – two officials and 10 non-commissioned officers – from his unit were placed on floating status while the investigation is ongoing.

During the flag-raising rites at Camp Crame on Monday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla awarded Marantan with the Medalya ng Kagalingan for the CIDG’s implementation of search warrants at Teves’ residence in Negros Oriental.

The administrative relief of the CIDG officers came after 13 Chinese citizens complained that they were robbed of cash and belongings during a supposed operation against illegal gambling in Parañaque City.

Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia said the victims told probers the CIDG operatives broke into a house and arrested them for allegedly violating Presidential Decree 1602 or the anti-illegal gambling law.

“They were playing mahjong. Dalawang table tapos may nag-complain daw na maingay sila,” Sermonia told reporters.

The incident happened in Barangay Tambo on Monday night, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.

Citing the victims’ account of the incident, Sermonia said the policemen allegedly took at least P3 million from a safety vault as well as a Patek Philippe and Richard Mille wristwathces and branded handbags.

The victims said they were brought to the CIDG NCR office at Camp Crame in Quezon City where the alleged extortion occurred.

“In exchange for their release, the complainants said they gave money to the police personnel,” Sermonia said.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. relieved the police officers from their posts following the incident.

Caramat said Marantan submitted a courtesy resignation as head of the CIDG Metro Manila field office.

“Nahihiya ako dahil nangyari ito under my watch,” Marantan said.