Erap to MPD: Probe cops escorting overloaded trucks

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered Manila Police District (MPD)director Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana yesterday to investigate reports that a group of policemen are receiving money to escort overloaded trucks passing through Port Area.

An irate Estrada said yesterday he issued the order immediately after getting a report from an investigative team of TV5 early this week.

The news crew showed Estrada a video showing police officers escorting the overloaded trucks.

The team’s researcher told Estrada that the police officers receive P300 each from the drivers of the trucks they escort.

“I thought that the MPD policemen are already under control. I gave them the financial assistance that Mayor (Alfredo) Lim did not release. They received it in lump sum and now the scalawags are still there and are engaging in extortion activities,” he said.

Estrada ordered Nana to immediately identify the police officers through their motorcycles’ license plates and police car’s patrol number, seen in the video.

The mayor said he will “impose an automatic dismissal” and charge the police officers with bribery and extortion.