Six jeepney drivers file extortion raps vs cop

Six drivers of passenger jeepneys yesterday file criminal charges against a policeman for alleged extortion in Caloocan City.

Chief Inspector Jose Valencia, Caloocan police station investigation chief, identified the policeman as Police Officer 3 Ramon Cuntapay, a member of the local police Sub-station 3 and assigned at Police Community Precinct 12 in Bagong Silang.

The complainants, who were earlier charged by the police for operating out of their franchise area or "out of line" were identified as Joseph Bulawan, 30, Patrick Rodelas, 23, Vhenny de los Reyes, all of Phase 4, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City; Edwin Temple, 28, of Phase 8, North Fairview, Quezon City; Dolphy Toledo, 25, of Towerville, Sapang Lamig, San Jose del Monte City; and Edgardo Bartena, 30, of MMTC Regalado, Fairview, Quezon City.

In their sworn statements, the complainants said they were legally plying the route from SM Fairview to Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City but admitted that they usually picked up passengers while driving on their way home to Bagong Silang in Caloocan City.

SPO1 Jame Basa said Cuntapay impounded the jeepneys of the six drivers and demanded P3,000 each from the six drivers before the vehicles are released.

Investigation showed the complainants were apprehended by policemen led by Cuntapay at around 2 a.m. last Friday while driving their jeepneys in Bagong Silang for alleged violation of Section 55 of R.A. 4136 of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (plying out of route.)

They said that although they were allowed to go home, the police officer gave them up to 7 a.m. that same day to produce the bribe money or else they will be charged double or P6,000 each if the charges are filed.

The drivers later went to the Caloocan police headquarters and filed the complaint against Cuntapay.

Probers said criminal and administrative charges will be filed against Cuntapay. He has also been directed to appear at the police headquarters to shed light on the complaint against him. — Jerry Botial