Cop faces extortion raps

CEBU, Philippines - After finding probable cause, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the filing of a case before the court against a police officer accused of robbery-extortion.

State Prosecutor Noel Cellona held respondent Police Officer 2 Joselito Laspiñas for trial after the latter chose not to file a counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him.

Laspiñas, assigned at the Waterfront Police Station, was arrested on Monday by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-7 lead by special agent Teodoro Saavedra for extorting money from Michael Detuya, a resident of Barangay Labangon.

Detuya sought the assistance of the NBI after the police officer reportedly demanded money from him for the release of his live-in partner, Jennifer Lantaca.

Lantaca, who works as a sales lady, was arrested and detained by Waterfront Police last July 26 for qualified theft.

Detuya alleged that prior to the entrapment operation, he met with Laspiñas at the back of the police station.

There, he said he was told by the police officer that he can process the release of Lantaca.

Detuya said he offered to give P4,000 to the respondent but the latter settled only for P3,000. — (FREEMAN)