Seven Manila Police Officers Arrested for Fake Drug Raps
MANILA, Philippines — Seven officers from the Manila Police District were arrested for allegedly fabricating drug charges against a 49-year-old man and extorting P50,000 from his wife. The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about corruption within the police force.
The arrests came after the supposed victim filed a complaint, prompting authorities to detain the officers at Police Station 5 in Ermita, Manila, late Monday night, according to a statement from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday.
Details of the Fake Drug Raps and Extortion Case
Among those arrested were a lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three patrolmen. The complainant was initially detained on June 20 under what police say were fabricated drug charges.
While in custody, the officers allegedly demanded P50,000 from the complainant’s spouse in exchange for his release. However, only P20,000 was paid via mobile transfer before the man was released without any charges.
Upon learning about the formal complaint filed against them, the officers returned the money in an apparent attempt to discourage legal action, sources said.
Evidence Recovered During the Operation
Authorities seized seven mobile phones used in the alleged extortion, five official police identification cards, and screenshots of digital transactions and conversations during the arrest operation.
Charges and Police Response
The seven officers are now under restrictive custody as they await charges for robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, and violations of anti-corruption laws, including Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Presidential Decree 1829 concerning obstruction of justice.
“NCRPO will not allow these criminals to taint the integrity and dedication of those who are doing good in the service,” said NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin. “Rogue policemen will be arrested, detained, charged, and removed from the service, based on due process of law,” he added.
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