‘Ninja cops’ deny kidnap, extort raps

MANILA, Philippines - The four Malabon police officers arrested for alleged kidnapping and extortion of an inmate’s girlfriend yesterday denied the charges of kidnapping and extortion filed against them before the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

In their joint counter-affidavit, Senior Police Officer 2 Ricky Pelicano, PO2 Wilson Sanchez, PO1 Joselito Ereneo and PO1 Francis Camua asked investigating Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon to dismiss the charges of kidnapping, robbery, extortion, carjacking and illegal drugs they are facing.

They belied the allegations of the victim, known only as Norma.

Norma claimed that the policemen kidnapped her on May 20 in Quezon City after she visited her boyfriend, Raymond Bongabon, an inmate at the medium security compound of the New Bilibid Prison.

The policemen also denied calling the victim’s family and demanding P2 million in ransom in exchange for her release.

They refuted the allegation that they took the victim’s Starex van, jewelry, an iPhone 7, a laptop and P6,000 in cash.

The suspects were arrested on May 22 by operatives of the Northern Police District, Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force, PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, Malabon police and Highway Patrol Group.

The victim alleged that when her family failed to raise the ransom demand, the policemen filed a case against her for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The suspects allegedly brought the victim to the Tondo Medical Center for medical examination to make it appear that her arrest was legitimate.

Authorities rescued the victim and arrested the four suspects in an entrapment operation.

The policemen have been relieved from their posts.