Valenzuela cops caught extorting face criminal rap

MANILA, Philippines — The Valenzuela cops nabbed for extorting from junkshop owners are facing criminal raps before the Department of Justice.

The following individuals are facing complaints in violation of Article 294 of the revised penal code of robbery/extortion:

• Sr. Insp. Adonis Paul Gonzales Escamillan
• SPO4 Serafin Sarapdon Adante
• PO1 Ryand Paul Estapia Antimaro
• PO1 Rey Harvey Azadon Florano
• Amado Baldong Jr.

Three Valuenzula cops, particularly Adante, Antimaro and Florano with Baldong were arrested in an entrapment operation on the night of July 31.

READ: 3 Valenzuela cops nabbed for extortion

Agents of the Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force, in coordination with National Capital Region Office director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar acted on the information that the suspects were extorting money from junkshop owners.

According to the one-page complaint, the suspects were operating along Mindanao Avenue Extension, Valenzuela City.

They were allegedly conducting their scheme while patrolling in a police car equipped with global positioning system and dashboard cameras.

Meanwhile, Escamillan, the commander of Police Community Precinct 8 where the other Valuenzela cops are stationed, was relieved from his post for command responsibility.

The suspects are being detained at the CITF headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City. — Kristine Joy Patag