In a shocking turn of events, 10 personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) found themselves in custody amid serious allegations of robbery extortion and kidnapping during a raid in Tondo, Manila.
The raid, held on February 17, targeted a warehouse in the First Tondo Complex over suspected firearms law violations. Those arrested were brought to the CIDG-Southern District Field Unit office in Taguig City. But what followed turned this operation into a scandal.
According to CIDG, the detained individuals were allegedly coerced by the accused officers, who demanded money for their release. Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo revealed in a press briefing that the three complainants were asked for a staggering P18 million.
“Hiningan po sila ng pera at nagbigay po sila,” she said. They parted with the money hoping for freedom, only to be driven away in a vehicle afterward.
The drama escalated when the victims were moved to another location, faced with guns laid out before them. They were forced to identify those firearms and then harassed for more money—money they could not produce.
Thankfully, the complainants were released the next day.
The accused officers come from various ranks, from patrolman up to lieutenant colonel. CIDG Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III acted swiftly, relieving all 10 and reassigning them to administrative duties. Their firearms and badges were revoked immediately, and they were placed under strict restriction at the PNP Custodial Facility.
Serious administrative charges await them, including grave misconduct, neglect of duty, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and planting of evidence—charges stemming from the Revised Penal Code and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
“Ito ay bahagi ng pagsunod at pagsuporta sa programa ng ating Chief PNP General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil na zero tolerance sa ganitong mga gawain,” Torre said firmly, affirming no tolerance for such acts within the CIDG.
Yet, he expressed deep disappointment: “Sadyang nakakalungkot nga lamang na makakita ng ganitong mga pagkakataon kung saan ang ilan sa ating mga tauhan ay nawawalay pa rin ng landas.”
This incident reveals a troubling side of law enforcement, shaking public trust and raising urgent questions about accountability within the ranks. The story is far from over as investigations continue and justice seeks its course.