PNP: 92 extortion cases filed vs rogue cops

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered police commanders to exercise disciplinary authority over their personnel.

Azurin issued the directive after records from the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) showed that 92 cases have been filed before the courts against policemen accused of robbery and extortion in July.

“If you are not going to do your job, then the entire police station or sub-station will be relieved and they will be replaced with more responsible and accountable PNP personnel,” Azurin said in a statement.

On Monday, IMEG operatives arrested three members of the Manila Police District (MPD) who allegedly extorted P2,000 from the owner of a tricycle, which they impounded for a traffic violation.

A policeman who is wanted for kidnapping with rape was apprehended in Taguig on Tuesday.

Azurin identified the suspect as Pat. Jerome Arroyo, who is assigned with the MPD.

Arroyo was nabbed based on a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Anne Beatrice Balmaceda of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

Azurin reminded police officers that they could be held administratively liable based on the doctrine of command responsibility.