QCPD to detain EDSA ‘hulidap’ cop

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer who allegedly masterminded the Sept. 1 EDSA “hulidap” will be placed on restricted status at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), an official said yesterday.

Senior Inspector Oliver Villanueva will join other policemen tagged in the kidnap-robbery who also surrendered, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said.

Villanueva surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame Friday night. CIDG spokesperson Chief Inspector Elizabeth Jasmin said Villanueva wanted to face the allegations and answer them with the help of his lawyer, Magnum Agpaoa.

Valmoria directed QCPD director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano to coordinate with the CIDG and take custody of Villanueva, who was the head of the La Loma, Quezon City police station’s intelligence and investigation branch.

With Villanueva’s surrender, only dismissed Inspector Marco Polo Estrera remains at large. Nine other policemen have surrendered.

The suspects are facing kidnapping, car theft and robbery in band charges before a Mandaluyong City court for allegedly kidnapping two employees of a Marawi-based businessman and robbing them of P2 million they were supposed to use to pay for heavy equipment their employer bought.

A photograph of the incident went viral after it was uploaded on Twitter.