2 cops held for alleged robbery

MANILA, Philippines — Two police officers assigned in Caloocan and a civilian were apprehended for allegedly robbing a motorcycle rider in Quezon City on Monday.

S/Sgt. Rusell Ortega, 39, and Cpl. Joey Taboga, 37, both detailed at the Caloocan police sub-station 6, were nabbed along with Robin Caidic, 34, in Barangay Balon Bato.

Members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)’s criminal investigation and detection unit said they were inside the barangay hall reviewing closed-circuit television footage of a reported ambush of a man and his mother in Barangay Baesa when they heard a commotion outside.

When the QCPD operatives intervened, the Caloocan policemen said the motorcycle rider they were pursuing was their target in an anti-narcotics operation.

Ortega and Taboga failed to present a copy of pre-operational documents showing the legality of their operation in Quezon City.

The motorcycle rider said Ortega and Taboga blocked his way and allegedly forcibly took his wallet, which contained P16,000.

Fearing for his safety, the rider ran away until he reached the Balon Bato barangay hall where he sought help.