2 Rizal cops detained for robbery-kidnap

MANILA, Philippines –  Two policemen in Rizal were ordered detained and charged for robbery and kidnapping of two motorcycle dealers in Pililla town Wednesday.

Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., ordered the conduct of summary dismissal proceedings against PO2 Archie Alvarado, 35, assigned at the provincial intelligence branch of Rizal PPO and PO2 Noel Montemayor, 40, of Tanay police station.

Pagdilao denounced the acts of the two policemen as he warned that the PNP in Calabarzon would not condone criminal acts committed by men in uniform nor will protect its own erring personnel.

The two policemen, along with civilians, Ricardo Oliveros, 28, and Ivan Iposada, 30, were accused of robbery and kidnapping by businessmen Henrick Sarmiento, 34, and Perry Teodoro, 39.

Police authorities in Pililla town set up Tuesday checkpoint operations following reports of the abduction of an unidentified person on board a gray Toyota Lite Ace van.

A brief chase ensued after the said vehicle did not stop at a checkpoint along Sitio Manggahan in Barangay Halayahayin in Pililla town. The van was cornered along the national road in front the Villa Lorenza Resort at about 6 p.m.

While Alvarado was introducing himself as a policeman to the members of the Pililla police, one of the victims jumped out of the vehicle and shouted to the responding authorities that he was a victim of robbery and kidnapping. The two policemen were immediately disarmed and arrested.

Pagdilao said the victims were selling a Yamaha Mio Sporty motorcycle to Oliveros.

While the victims were riding on their way home around 5 p.m. at the boundary of Mabitac, Laguna and Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal, the suspects on board the van blocked the way of the victims until they were forced to stop at Sitio Bugarin.

At this point, the suspects tried to run but Oliveros was grabbed by the suspects and was struck in the head with a pistol. Investigation also said that victim Teodoro was able to elude the suspects.

Follow-up operations led the authorities to the hideout of suspect Iposada where the stolen black Yamaha Mio Sporty 40C3 that the victims were selling to Oliveros was recovered.         – With Ed Amoroso