Five GenSan Cops Face Charges for Alleged Extortion Scam
In General Santos City, five police officers are now under fire for allegedly extorting P50 from a motorist to pay for their snacks. This incident has sparked serious concern, prompting swift action from local authorities.
Colonel Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., the city’s police chief, confirmed that the five officers—whose names remain undisclosed—have been placed under restrictive custody. They have been relieved from their duties at Police Station 5 in Barangay Tambler and disarmed pending investigation.
The officers are currently facing administrative charges for reportedly demanding P50 from a motorist, a resident of Banga town in South Cotabato province. The complaint was first filed on July 9 through the PNP Kalasag 911 system, a national emergency response platform designed to provide quick and coordinated assistance.
Details of the Alleged Extortion Incident
According to sources, a woman and her pregnant daughter were riding a tricycle from Maasim to General Santos City when officers at a checkpoint in Barangay Tambler stopped them. Before allowing them to proceed, the police allegedly asked for P50 “for merienda.”
Colonel Olaivar explained that the administrative charges will provide a formal venue for the accused officers to present their side of the story. Meanwhile, the complainant is expected to come forward with additional details to support the case.
The accused officers hold ranks ranging from patrolman to sergeant and are also facing criminal charges alongside the administrative complaints.
Broader Police Reforms Underway
In response to this incident, Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, director of the Soccsksargen police region, has ordered a reshuffling of all police station commanders in General Santos City. This measure aims to restore public trust and enhance police service quality.
“Any police officer found violating the law will be held accountable, as the PNP does not tolerate any form of abuse or misconduct,” Ardiente emphasized. He added that this move is part of the Philippine National Police’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency and public service.
This case highlights the challenges the police force faces in maintaining ethical standards and protecting citizens’ rights. Authorities remain committed to a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures.
For more news and updates on police misconduct, visit Filipinokami.com.
