Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two policemen and their asset for allegedly extorting money from a couple whom they arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drugs activities.
Director Victor Deona, CIDG chief, said the wife was apparently released to produce the P150,000 being demanded by the two cops who are both assigned to the Obando Police Station in Bulacan.
He identified the two cops as PO3 Winston De Leon Mariano and PO1 Benjamin Sauban. The informant, on the other hand, was identified as John Victor Vendano.
Based on the complaint, the couple was collared in a raid in their house in Sta. Maria town on June 4.
It was then that the cops threatened them that charges would be filed against the husband unless they pay P150,000 for his release.
Deona said P40,000 was initially given to Mariano right inside the police station the following day.
But the couple decided to seek the assistance of the CIDG which in turn mapped out an entrapment on June 6 also inside the Obando Police Station.
“This resulted in the arrest of Vendado who received the marked money as additional payment to complete the R150,000,” said Deona.
The two cops and their asset will be charged with graft case and violation of the anti-drugs law, police said.
The operation came as both President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and incoming PNP Chief Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa vowed to run after policemen involved in illegal drugs.
Earlier, Duterte himself sought the resignation of three police generals whom he said are involved in corruption.
(AARON B. RECUENCO)