Cops nab extortionist colleague

POLICE authorities have arrested one of their own for allegedly extorting money from a woman who applied for a Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) position in the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10, through an entrapment operation at a fast food restaurant along Velez street, this city, Tuesday afternoon, June 11.

Arrested was Patrolwoman Sheryl Lou Licayan, who was presently assigned at Police Station 4 in Carmen, this city.

Investigation disclosed that the victim, whom the police declined to identify, has sought help from the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) which later carried out the operation.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mardy Hortillosa, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said the suspect allegedly assured the victim of the job in exchange of P3,000.

"In return sa kwarta gipasaligan sa suspect ang biktima nga makuha siya sa position nga iyang giaplayan," Hortillosa said.

Investigators are looking into whether Licayan has connections in the recruitment section of PRO-10.

"Gi-investigate pa sa RID kung naa ba siya's connection sa taas or naa ba siya'y mga kauban ani or naa pa ba siya'y laing mga bi k tim a ," Hort ill os a added.

Hortillosa also said Licayan has derogatory records after several complaints have been lodged against her.

He maintained that the recruitment for NUP has its own stringent process.

Hortillosa said the leadership of Cocpo does not tolerate personnel who engage in illegal activities and will support cases against the suspect.

He said Licayan is likely to face robbery extortion charges. Administrative cases will soon follow.

"Wala kini gitolerate sa Cocpo nga binuhatan ug wala sukad gitudloan ang atong kapolisan nga mag-involved sa illegal activities kay naa kitay gisunod nga code of conduct and ethical standards ," Hort ill os a said.

However, Hortillosa said the suspect will still be accorded due process and remains innocent until proven guilty.

He said Licayan has been active in police service for 10 years. She was previously assigned at the Regional Mobile Force, City Mobile Force, Police Station 8, Tourist Police and her latest assignment was Police Station 4.

Hortillosa added Licayan was on leave when the operation was launched. She was about to report back for duty on Friday, June 14.