NBI agents arrest cop for 'extortion'

The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday arrested a policeman assigned at the legal section of the regional police office for demanding money from a dismissed policeman in exchange for his reinstatement.

SP01 Laureano Manriquez was arrested right after he received the P3,000 money handed to him by former policeman Wilson Salinas, who sought the help of the NBI after believing that he was just fooled by Manriquez.

Salinas was dismissed from service for taking an unofficial leave. But Manriquez reportedly demanded P15,000 from him, claiming that the money would be given to a National Police Commission official who will review his case.

Manriquez allegedly assured Salinas that the Napolcom would reconsider his dismissal, prompting the latter to give Manriquez P5,000 on May 19, and another P10,000 on May 24.

When Salinas verified the development of his case before the Napolcom, he was surprised to learn that his motion for reconsideration was already denied.

Salinas then met with Manriquez to inquire over the denial of his motion despite having paid P15,000. But Manriquez then asked for another P3,000 from him.

This prompted Salinas to refer the matter to NBI authorities who set up an entrapment operation against Manriquez.

Manriquez will be criminally charged before the Ombudsman on Monday. - Rene U. Borromeo