Nursing prof charged with extortion

The Marikina City police filed robbery extortion charges yesterday against a nursing professor who demanded P10,000 from a student in exchange for a passing grade.

Susan Retirado, 48, a nursing professor of the Southeast Asian College at the United Doctor’s Medical Center, is detained at the Police Community Precinct 4 in barangay Sto. Niño.

Retirado was arrested Sunday after receiving marked money from Harvey Linarez, 19, a third year nursing student.

Retirado denied Linarez’s claim that she demanded money in exchange for a passing grade, saying she gave in to Linarez’s wishes because he was "makulit (persistent)." Linarez said Retirado has victimized at least 10 of his classmates but only he had the courage to file a formal complaint against her.

Marikina police chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. the city prosecutor’s office has yet to either issue a commitment order for Retirado to be transferred to the city’s detention center or recommend bail for her temporary liberty.

Ramos said the school where Retirado works has not yet coordinated with his office, and no other complainants have filed charges against Retirado. – Non Alquitran