Cop slain, 3 others arrested in kidnap scheme

39 more cops sacked

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman was killed while three others were arrested in a shootout yesterday morning with fellow police officers over their alleged kidnapping scheme in Taguig City.

Police Officer 1 Gerardo Ancheta, who died in the encounter; alleged ringleader PO2 Joey Maru and PO1s Bryan Amir Bajoof and Paolo Ocampo all belong to the Taguig Police Community Precinct (PCP) 1, Southern Police District (SPD) director Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar ordered all 39 police officers at PCP-1, including their head, Senior Inspector Joel Villafania, removed from their posts.

“All of them, 39 of them, effectively relieved as of today. And they are now being transferred to (the NCRPO) headquarters for investigation and further disposition,” Eleazar said, adding that he also required the 39 police officers to undergo drug testing.

Trap set

Apolinario said an entrapment operation was conducted against the four lawmen after Ronielyn Caraecle filed a complaint against them when they allegedly barged into her house and took some of her belongings before dawn yesterday.

The four men reportedly kidnapped Caraecle and her partner, identified only as Samuel. The lawmen demanded P50,000 and set Caraecle free after her relatives paid P20,000, Apolinario said.

Caraecle, who was told to come up with P30,000, reported the incident to the Taguig police.

“Samuel remained in the custody of the group to ensure her return,” Apolinario said, adding that Samuel was rescued and the lawmen detained on charges of robbery and kidnapping.

Apolinario said they are also investigating another incident: the four men also reportedly kidnapped Moreen del Castillo in New Lower Bicutan on Monday night and demanded P50,000 for her release.