5 ‘kotong’ cops under restrictive custody

MANILA, Philippines — The five Manila Police District (MPD) police officers accused of extortion or “kotong” who surrendered on Monday have been placed under restrictive custody.

Staff Sergeants Ryann Paculan and Jan Erwin Isaac, Cpl. Jonmark Dabucol and Patrolmen Jeremiah Pascual and Jhon Lester Pagar were turned over to the MPD early yesterday after they turned themselves in to Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz.

“They are now under restrictive custody while waiting for the resolution of the Manila prosecutor’s office because a case of robbery has been filed,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters in an interview.

The police officers were first presented to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda before they were turned over to the MPD.

While under restrictive custody, the policemen’s movements are monitored to ensure their availability in proceedings related to their administrative cases.

Fajardo said the administrative complaints against the policemen for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer were
elevated to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to expedite the proceedings.

The police officers are at risk of being dismissed from the PNP if they are proven guilty.

The police officers, who are assigned with the MPD’s intelligence division, went into hiding after an owner of a computer shop in
Sampaloc, whom they accused of running an illegal gambling business, claimed they were extorting money from him.

Proof of innocence?

The police officers told their superiors they did not immediately report for duty as they collected evidence to prove their innocence.

Among these is a certificate from Manila’s bureau of permits, which showed the businessman’s computer shop is not registered with the local government.

On the administrative aspect, Fajardo said the NCRPO will determine if the police officers violated rules and procedures, including informing their immediate supervisor about their law enforcement operation against the computer shop owner.