Highway Patrol Group-Batangas officer relieved

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — An officer of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has been relieved from his post after two of his men were arrested for extortion in a sting at Batangas port on Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Jepthe Banderado of the HPG in Batangas was replaced by Senior Inspector John Russel Baranacha,  Superintendent Peter Dionisio, HPG-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) director, said yesterday.

Personnel of a counter-intelligence task force who posed as truck drivers arrested Jonas Trazo and Michael Comia.  

The operation was launched following complaints of extortion from several trucking companies.