An anti-drugs operative of the Pasay City Police was arrested by Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence agents inside the police station allegedly for extorting money in exchange for the release of an arrested drug suspect.
Members of the Counter Intelligence Task Force (CITF) of the PNP nabbed Police Corporal Anwar Nasser around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday inside the office of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Pasay City Police Station 1.
The operation stemmed from the complaint of Joan dela Torre, 30, whose live-in partner, George Revilla, was arrested by SDEU members for illegal drug possession on Tuesday at around 9 a.m. on Bautista St. in Makati City.
Dela Torres alleged that the SDEU operatives demanded P100,000 from her in exchange for the release of Revilla. This prompted her to report to the CITF.
During the operation, three other suspects identified as SDEU chief Police Lt. Ronaldo Frades, Patrolman Anthony Fernandez and Sergeant Rigor Octaviana managed to escape through the back door, bringing with them the marked money.
Due to the incident, the whole anti-drugs unit of the Pasay City Police Station 1 was relieved by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.
Pasay City Police chief Police Col. Noel Flores was also relieved for command responsibility.
The arrested cop is now under the custody of the CITF for filing of appropriate charges. (Dhel Nazario)
