Efforts Intensify to Clear the Name of Philippine National Police (PNP)
Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. Calls for Immediate Surrender of Implicated Officers
In a shocking turn of events, five police officers from the Manila Police District’s District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (MPD-DPIOU) have been implicated in a robbery-extortion case involving a computer shop in Sampaloc, Manila.
The officers, identified as Staff Sgts. Ryann Tagle Paculan and Jan Erwin Santiago Isaac, Cpl. Jonmark Gonzales Dabucol, and Pat. Jeremiah Sesma Pascual and Pat. John Lester Reyes Pagar, have been urged by PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. to surrender promptly if they wish to clear their names.
Upholding Integrity: A Call for Surrender
PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. Demands Accountability and Urges Implicated Officers to Surrender
Expressing his deep disappointment, Gen. Acorda emphasized that the PNP does not tolerate such misconduct and is committed to bringing the officers to justice. In a statement, he said,
“I am saddened about it, but we are doing our best to show our fellow Filipinos that we do not condone any kind of this act, and we will be running after them.”
He made a direct appeal to the officers involved, urging them to surrender voluntarily.
Collaborative Efforts: PNP and Investigation Agencies on the Hunt
Manila Police District and National Investigation Units Coordinate to Apprehend Suspects
In response to the grave allegations, Gen. Acorda ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) to join forces with the Intelligence Group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group based in Camp Crame to locate the suspects.
The collective efforts of these agencies aim to swiftly bring the implicated officers to justice and restore public trust in the PNP.
Unveiling the Incident: Robbery-Extortion Caught on CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television Footage Reveals Officers’ Alleged Criminal Actions
Based on evidence obtained from closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, it is alleged that the five officers forcefully entered a computer shop in Barangay 525 on the night of July 11.
Posing as police personnel engaged in an operation against illegal gambling, they accused the 73-year-old shop owner, Herminigildo dela Cruz, of involvement in an illegal gambling den.
The officers, who were in plain clothes and failed to present a search warrant, reportedly confiscated PHP44,000 from the shop’s earnings.
Demanding “Protection Money”: A Disturbing Pattern
Suspects Allegedly Extorted Weekly Payments from the Shop Owner
In a distressing revelation, it has been claimed that the implicated officers demanded a weekly “protection money” of PHP 4,000 from the shop owner to allow the shop’s operation to continue. This alleged extortion scheme adds another layer of gravity to the charges against the officers.
Escaping Justice: Suspects Go into Hiding
Authorities Launch Manhunt for the Implicated Officers and Investigate Possible Accomplice
Following the incident, the five officers have gone into hiding, evading the pursuit of law enforcement. Additionally, authorities are investigating an individual using the alias “Menay” for his alleged involvement as an accomplice.
Ensuring Accountability: MPD Takes Action
The entire MPD-DPIOU Unit was Relieved Pending Further Investigation
Taking swift action, the Manila Police District has relieved the entire 50-member unit of the MPD-DPIOU from their duties while further investigation into the incident takes place.
This decision demonstrates the MPD’s commitment to upholding integrity within its ranks and holding those involved accountable for their actions.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
