2 fake cops arrested in Laguna

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Two fake cops tagged in the rash of extortion incidents  in Laguna were arrested in a police operation in Barangay Pagsawitan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, reports said.

Chief Inspector Pamela Helaga, Calabarzon spokeswoman, identified the arrested suspects as Edgardo Castillo, 51 and Lemuel Martinez, 54, who were charged for extortion and usurpation of authority. They were detained at the Sta. Cruz police station.

Police recovered from the suspects two PNP identification cards and various PNP solicitation letters.

Police said the suspects  introduced themselves as SPO2 Danilo dela Cuesta, SPO4 Rogelio Medina and, or SPO2 Eliezer when they were arrested by operatives of Sta. Cruz police station.

Police investigators said prior to the arrest of Castillo and Martinez, businessmen particularly junk shop owners in Laguna complained about the rampant extortions, hulidap and improper procedure in conducting a checkpoint in Laguna province, causing the operation of small enterprenuers to be  affected. – Ed Amoroso