'Kotong cop' surrenders

MANILA, Philippines – A policeman accused of extorting money from a son of Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, National Capital Region Police Office director, on Sept. 4 surfaced at Camp Karingal yesterday after being absent without leave for days following the incident.

Senior Police Officer 4 Jose dela Peña, who was accompanied by two lawyers, repeatedly shook his head and raised his right hand to fend off questions from members of media.

“I invoke my right to be silent,” he said.

Upon arriving at the Quezon City Police District headquarters in Camp Karingal, Dela Peña faced QCPD director Chief Superintendent Mario dela Vega, who ordered policeman to surrender his badge and service firearm while he is under investigation for “kotong” or extortion.

As Dela Vega talked to members of media prior to presenting Dela Peña, the policeman had his arms crossed as he waited in Dela Vega’s office. “His (Dela Peña’s) relief order stands,” the QCPD head said.

According to Dela Vega, Dela Peña will be “turned over to the responsible investigating officer,” Superintendent Ferdinand Villanueva, head of the QCPD’s District Investigation and Detective Management Division.

Senior Superintendent Neri Ilagan, QCPD’s directorial staff chief, said Dela Peña is now under “restrictive custody” and should be available whenever needed at the headquarters.

One of Dela Peña’s lawyers, Kristian Vicente Gargantiel, said it took days before his client reported to work because he was “afraid” and did not know what to do or say once he surfaced.

But when asked if Dela Peña had denied the allegation made by Espina’s son, Gargantiel said, “Whatever it is, it’s between me and my client.”

According to Gargantiel, it was during the weekend when Dela Peña sought his services.

Gargantiel also did not comment on the other cases against his client, including another extortion allegation. He said they have yet to receive a notice for these cases.

Both Dela Peña and his partner at the time of the alleged extortion attempt on Espina’s son, Police Officer 2 Resty del Rosario, have been relieved from their posts.

Dela Vega said he will ask that Dela Peña’s salary be withheld pending the investigation on the extortion allegation.