Duterte wants Makati ‘kotong’ cop axed

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte wants a Makati police inspector relieved from his post for allegedly extorting money from tourists.

Duterte on Tuesday said he received reports about the extortion activities of a police officer whom he did not name.

“Relieve him, place him under suspension and initiate summary dismissal... or if you want, at your convenience, whoever this police inspector is, you better resign. Stop or I will stop you. You interpret it whatever way you like,” the President said.

Duterte said the police officer may also choose to be sacked or be sent to Jolo or Basilan.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa urged the public, including drug peddlers and users, to report policemen who are using the administration’s war on drugs for extortion.

Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said he ordered the Makati police to investigate the policeman referred to by the President.

Albayalde said a Singaporean tourist had complained that the police officer extorted P350,000 from him two weeks ago.

The tourist claimed that the money was coursed through a retired police major, who was a former security officer in the residential building where the foreigner lived.

Dela Rosa said they have yet to identify the retired police official.

“He has to appear to explain his side, otherwise we will have to hunt him down,” the PNP chief said.

Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Romil Mitra said they would coordinate with presidential assistant Christopher “Bong” Go to identify the erring police officer.

Customs official, too

President Duterte also wants a Bureau of Customs (BOC) official suspended for alleged involvement in irregularities.

Duterte did not identify the official, who is Customs deputy for intelligence.

“I have yet to talk to Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon, but I have instructed my aide to relay my order to him. I want (the official) suspended immediately,” the President told reporters.

“If he refuses to leave Customs, I’ll be the one to ask him to leave,” he added.

Duterte hinted that the official may be involved in corruption.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III also declined to identify the BOC official.

“There is only an OIC (officer-in-charge) deputy commissioner for intelligence. But a new OIC will be appointed actually today (Nov. 2),” Dominguez said in a press briefing at Malacañang.

Dominguez said an appointment order was set to be released yesterday afternoon. – Robertzon Ramirez, Alexis Romero