13 Caloocan cops sued for robbery

MANILA, Philippines —  Thirteen rookie policemen are facing criminal and administrative charges after a woman accused them of barging into her house and stealing her jewelry and gadgets last Sept. 7.

Police Officers 1 Ariel Furlo, Marvin Poblete, Sherwin Rivera, Jay Gabatu, Sahabane Sampurna, Rene Llanto, Louie Serrano, Jaypee Talay, Ronelio Julaton, Jay-R Sabangan, Jaime Natividad, Joey Learan and a certain PO1 Miguel were seen on video taking the belongings of Gina Erobas from her house in Barrio Sta. Rita, Barangay 188 at around 9 p.m., said Chief Inspector Ilustre Mendoza, city assistant police chief.

In her complaint, Erobas said the policemen used a bolt cutter to open her gate. They then entered her house, accusing her of hiding shabu.

Mendoza said Erobas’ neighbor, who was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, identified her as his supplier. 

“It turned out, however, that the suspect’s family was at odds with the Erobases,” he said.

Mendoza said he called the immediate superior of the policemen, who told him that at least two of them admitted to stealing items from Erobas and returned two wristwatches.

Erobas said she lost two wristwatches, a mobile phone and a wallet containing P6,000.

Mendoza said charges of robbery, trespass to dwelling and violation of the anti-child abuse law – the incident left Eroba’s grandchildren traumatized – were filed against the policemen.