Anti-scalawag team nabs 2 cops for alleged extortion

Anti-scalawag operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have arrested two policemen for allegedly extorting money from bus and van drivers who fetch passengers from illegal terminals in Pasay City.

Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo, commander of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF), said the designated collector lodged a complaint in their office stating that the erring cops have been asking too much money from them.

He identified the two lawmen as Police Officer 2 Jerry Adjani Jubail and Police Officer 1 Michael Domalanta, both assigned to the Malibay Police Community Precinct.

“They are collecting P300 to P500 for every bus and van driver for them to be allowed to pick up passengers at the illegal terminal in the area,” said Malayo.

The official said they have been receiving reports on the extortion racket since March and April last year but the racket was stopped during their verification process.

Last month, Malayo said they received another report that the collection had started again.

“They were arrested after they received the marked money from the complainant discreetly accompanied by CITF operatives,” said Malayo.

Administrative charges will be slapped against the suspects, which will have a maximum penalty of dismissal from the service. Criminal charges will also be made against them.

Since its creation in February last year, the CITF has already arrested more than 70 erring cops, mostly due to extortion.

The new PNP leadership vowed to expand the operation of the CITF with new counter-intelligence police operatives.