2 Manila cops face ax for robbing Koreans

MANILA, Philippines - Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday ordered the dismissal from the service of two members of the Manila Police District (MPD) who held up two Korean nationals last Saturday.

PO2 Reynaldo Faller Olivo and PO1 Vincent Paul Medina, both detailed at the MPD Station 5, were positively identified by Back Sung Kyun and Lee Jun Hee as the ones who robbed them of at least P20,000 near the Malate Church in Ermita.

Lim instructed MPD director Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez to file criminal and administrative charges against the suspects.

“Policemen who engage in nefarious activities and abuses against innocent civilians have no right to stay a minute longer in the force,” the mayor said.

Lim also commended Gutierrez and Chief Inspector Edgar Reyes of the MPD mobile unit for not coddling Olivo and Medina and held them answerable for their offense.

“I reiterate my call on all members of the police that they should never consider entering the force as a quick means to make money,’’ he said.

The Koreans were walking along Malate when the suspects on board a mobile car and wearing police uniform accosted them and took their money.

Accompanied by representatives of the Korean embassy, the victims reported the incident to the MPD General Assignment Section (GAS) and identified the two policemen from a photo gallery.

The suspects surrendered to their chief, Superintendent Jemar Modequillo. – Sandy Araneta, Rey Galupo