HPG officer, ex-soldier nabbed for escort services in Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines — An officer of the police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and a former Army soldier were arrested after they were caught illegally providing motorcycle escort services to passengers of a luxury vehicle in Parañaque on Monday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered a probe to determine if the 45-year-old staff sergeant has cohorts in the HPG who should be relieved from their posts.

“Paano nangyari ‘yun kung hindi alam ng immediate commander?” Marbil told reporters at Camp Crame yesterday.

The policeman and a 57-year-old former Army soldier were nabbed for escorting a black Toyota Alphard minivan at the corner of Diokno Avenue and ASEANA City.

It was not known if the passengers of the vehicle were Chinese nationals.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad said operatives failed to stop the vehicle, which sped off toward an unknown destination.

“The road was too busy at the time. The situation would be risky,” he said in an interview.

Cumigad said the HPG officer was using a motorcycle that is registered with the provincial government of Cavite. The former soldier was on a privately owned motorcycle.

Cumigad did not buy the policeman’s alibi that he was on his way home when he was arrested.

“He was with a former Army soldier. How can you explain that?” Cumigad said.

The suspects are facing complaints for usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniform or insignia before the Parañaque prosecutor’s office.