5 Malabon cops sacked for alleged robbery

MANILA, Philippines - Five police officers were relieved from their post for allegedly robbing a man they accused of stealing a motorcycle in Malabon City Thursday night.

In a report to the Northern Police District, Inspector Reynaldo Medina of the Malabon City Police identified the suspects as Police Officer 3 Dennis Lanot, PO1 Christopher Tesio, PO1 Adan Christian Taytay, PO1 Alfie Mariano, and PO1 Renato Flores.

Medina said the five, who were all assigned at the Police Community Precinct 3, were reassigned to the station’s administrative holding unit pending the results of the investigation on the allegations against them.

The case stemmed from a complaint of Jose Ballesteros, 32, who accused the police officers of robbery and extortion following an incident that happened at past 11 p.m. in Barangay Longos.

According to Medina, the victim said Taytay advised him to rest beside a motorcycle parked in the area after the police officer observed that he was visibly drunk. Ballesteros said he came from a drinking spree in Manila and was on his way home.

While resting, the victim said he was surprised when Taytay suddenly frisked him and took his money, amounting to P4,200. He said he was brought to the precinct and accused of stealing the motorcycle, which turned out to be owned by Lanot.

He said Lanot destroyed his driver’s license, while Taytay threw his phone to the ground. He added that the three officers later arrived and maltreated him.

Ballesteros said he was only freed after his partner and her friend arrived and gave P2,500 to the suspects.

Medina said appropriate criminal and administrative cases are being readied against the police officers.