Cop charged for robbing businessman

MANILA, Philippines – A businessman has sued a policeman for allegedly robbing him at a motel in Manila last week.

In a complaint filed with the Manila Police District (MPD) general assignment and investigation section Sunday night, Jehan Babon, 33, said Police Officer 1 Jerald Paguinto and two other men knocked on the door of his room at the 5005 Spring Motel on Rizal Avenue at around 2 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2015 and accused of possessing illegal drugs.

He also said the policeman stole his gold necklace and P11,000.

Babon, of Mexico, Pampanga, told Senior Police Officer 1 James Poso that he came to Manila on Dec. 26, 2015 to buy some goods.

He said while he was walking in Quiapo, he chanced upon two of his town mates – whom he identified only as Jerry and Ryan – and invited them to his motel room for a drink. He said the two left after midnight and he went to bed.

At around 2 a.m., he was awakened by a knock at the door and was surprised to see Ryan, Paguinto and another man, who introduced themselves as police officers.

Paguinto, who is currently detailed at the National Capital Region Police Office’s personnel holding and accounting unit, poked a gun at his face and accused him of possessing illegal drugs, Babon said.

The men searched his room but found nothing, he added.

Paguinto then grabbed Babon’s bag and took his money and his 18-karat gold necklace worth P26,000, the businessman said.

Paguinto said the money and necklace would “settle” the illegal drug possession charge, Babon alleged.

The businessman said the three men detained him at the motel room until morning, then took him to a pawnshop and told him to pawn the necklace for P10,000 under Paguinto’s name.

Poso said Babon identified the police officer from his personal data sheet at the MPD. Paguinto used to be assigned to the MPD Station 3.

He said a confrontation between Paguinto and Babon is scheduled at the MPD headquarters today.