As 39 others relieved: Cop arrested for extortion

CEBU, Philippines — At least 39 policemen at the Pari-an Police Station were relieved from their post after one of their own was arrested last Monday afternoon for allegedly extorting money from a drug suspect.

The policeman, PO3 Ritchie Saquilabon, 40, is a member of the station’s drug enforcement unit.

He was arrested by members of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF) after allegedly receiving P20,000 during an entrapment operation inside a mall in downtown Cebu City, said Supt. Rey Lambojo, chief of the CITF sub-group in the Visayas.

Investigation revealed that Saquilabon and four others, including a barangay tanod, arrested an alleged drug suspect, Richie Labus, 32, last Monday morning.

However, instead of turning him over to the Pari-an Police Station to undergo post-arrest procedures like having his mug shot taken, they reportedly kept him in custody.

They then allegedly contacted his mother, Gloria, and demanded for P20,000 in exchange of downgrading the case they would file against him.

Gloria sought the help of CITF and the entrapment was hatched.

During the entrapment operation, however, Saquilabon’s cohorts managed to escape.

Lambojo said Saquilabon has been charged for robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Lambojo said Saquilabon may also face charges for arbitrary detention as Labus’ arrest could not be considered legal in the absence of proper booking procedures.

Labus would need to issue an affidavit about the supposed arrest but Gloria said her son has not returned home since Monday.

“Kailangan ng complainant. Kailangan yung victim makuhanan namin ng affidavit niya. Very cooperative ang mother niya kaya nga bukas, sinabi ko baka pwede niya dalhin, pero natakot pa kaya ayaw pa lumutang,” Lambojo said.

Despite facing possible dismissal from service, Saquilabon may post bail.

“If may pera siya, makapag-bail siya kasi bailable naman pero may administrative charges naman siya na dismissable cases,” Lambojo said.

The Regional Internal Affairs Service has been tasked to investigate Saquilabon for his alleged administrative offenses and is expected to submit a recommendation in not less than 30 days.

Relief

Cebu City Police Office director, Senior Supt. Joel Doria, said the Pari-an Police Station had no knowledge of Saquilabon’s plans, neither did Saquilabon informed his superiors about Labus’ arrest.

However, Police Regional Office Director Robert Quenery decided to relieve Saquilabon’s colleagues at the Pari-an Police Station, including his station commander, Chief Insp. Ramoncelio Sawan.

They will be made to undergo a refresher course and “moral recovery” for 15 days. Afterwards, they will be evaluated and may be reassigned to other police station if found to be too familiar with the personalities in Barangay Pari-an.

Chief Insp. Kenneth Paul Albotra will take over as station chief while members of the Cebu City Mobile Force Company will fill in the other vacated slots.

Quenery said Saquilabon is a “classic example” of a scalawag who tarnishes the image of the police.

“I’m disappointed. We are trying to get the sympathy and the respect of the community only to be destroyed by this goddamn guy. Unfair sa mga police na nagtatrabaho, unfair sa mga namatay na pulis natin na nakikipaglaban sa mga drug addicts. They are tainting the memory,” Quenery said.

“I still give the benefit of the doubt and respect. This is an isolated case. What is important is we give a strong signal not to follow PO3 Saquilabon. This is a disgrace as a police officer. In any organization as big as PNP, there would be some who would choose to trek the other way,” he added. — JMO (FREEMAN)