5 ex-cops get life for kidnap of drug suspect

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati Regional Trial Court has sentenced five former police officers to life in prison after they were found guilty of kidnapping a drug suspect and demanding P100,000 in ransom for his release in 2019.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed yesterday the conviction of Ronaldo Prades, Rigor Octavio, Sajid Anwar Nasser, John Marck Cruz and Anthony Fernandez.

The former lawmen, who were previously assigned with the Pasay police anti-narcotics unit, were meted 40 years or life in prison.

PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba said the guilty verdict vindicated the operatives who arrested the five rogue lawmen.

“This is also proof that the PNP is taking action against crooks and that we don’t tolerate illegal deeds within the police organization,” Alba said in a statement.

The victim’s partner reported the kidnapping to the now defunct PNP counterintelligence task force, which launched an entrapment operation resulting in the suspects’ arrest.

Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the conviction of the former officers should serve as a warning to PNP members.

“The PNP abhors the undesirable conduct of the police scalawags. We mean discipline and we mean justice,” he said.

The court’s decision, Natividad said, proves that the justice system is working.

“Without fear or favor, even lawmen who circumvent the law will be arrested, charged and convicted,” he said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also welcomed the conviction of the former police officers.

“The justice department is steadfast in its commitment to uphold the rule of law,” Jose Dominic Clavano of Remulla’s office said. – Robertzon Ramirez