Victim even asked to pay for lechon extortion charge slapped on cop

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Police Provincial Office  Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) has found probable cause to administratively charge a policeman for allegedly extorting a vehicular accident suspect.

The PIDMB has recommended the filing of a grave misconduct complaint against SPO1 Raul Jamero, Compostela Police Station traffic investigator, for allegedly demanding money from Joel Okay in several occasions.

The administrative complaint is now with the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Internal Affairs Service for summary hearing.

PIDMB investigation into the allegation showed that last November, a Mitsubishi vehicle (YBK 200) driven by Okay accidentally hit the right door of the Nissan Fairlady Sedan sports car (YCM 254) of Johannes Lang which was parked along the road.

Jamero brought both parties to the police station, where they agreed to settle the matter; as an initial payment Okay gave P5,000 to Lang.

Okay alleged that Jamero then started demanding money from him, with a promise that the policeman would twist the circumstances in the investigation in Okay’s favor.

Jamero even went to the residence of Okay in Barangay Inayagan, City of Naga and demanded P5,000 as cost for the replacement of the right window of Lang’s vehicle, to which Okay agreed.

Jamero allegedly again demanded P500 and P1,000 in separate occasions in November. Not contented, he allegedly even asked for P4,000 to buy lechon baboy (roasted pig) for the Christmas party of Compostela police’s traffic office.

This aroused Okay’s suspicion that Jamero was already extorting him, prompted him to call Lang, who said he did not receive any amount other than what Okay gave at the police station.

In its recommendation, PIDMB stated that Jamero violated Napolcom Order No. 2007-01, which prohibits police personnel from soliciting any fee, gift or valuables for personal use in the course of their official duties, or when such items are given in the hope or expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment other than that accorded under the law.

PIDMB said Jamero’s alleged acts “undoubtedly violated the norm of decency and diminished or tended to diminish the people’s respect in the police organization or for those in the government service.”

Jamero could not be reached for comment as of press time. (FREEMAN)