CDO traffic division chief, aide nabbed for extortion

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Two police officers here, including the traffic division chief, are facing charges after they were arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents for alleged extortion on Monday afternoon.

Superintendent John Michael Deloso, traffic division chief, and his aide, PO3 Ernesto Galleto, were collared in a hotel during an entrapment operation.

The complainant, lawyer Ernesto Palanan, president of the Xavier Heights Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, said Deloso had been “demanding money’” from them since December.

Palanan said a total of P24,000 had been given to Deloso since Dec. 3 up to last Monday, supposedly for the “protection” of his group’s driver-members from traffic violation apprehensions.

Palanan said he feared for his personal security at first but eventually decided to seek the NBI’s help because he “could not take it anymore.”

In Monday’s entrapment, Deloso allegedly received P4,000 and Galleto P2,000 placed in envelopes.

Palanan said this was the fourth time that money was allegedly given to the two police officers.

Senior Superintendent Graciano Mijares, city police chief, said Deloso has been relieved of his post.

Councilor Ramon Tabor, who chairs the city council’s committee on police, fire and public safety, bewailed the incident, saying police officers may have to undergo another immersion in values education.

“The department heads need moral ascendancy,” Tabor said.