CIDG field office chief axed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — The commander of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)’s Quezon City field office and another police officer were sacked from their posts yesterday for allegedly attempting to extort P3 million from a businessman.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro relieved Maj. Merbern Bryan Lago, chief of the agency’s field unit in Quezon City, and Senior M/Sgt. Ruel Chu.

Ferro ordered the relief of Lago and Chu based on the complaint of Adrian Dominic Ang, 32, who accused the two of extortion.

Ferro said Ang, owner of ADA Farm Agriventure, was arrested by CIDG operatives based on a warrant for violation of Republic Act 8799 or the Securities and Regulation Code.

ADA Farm had been ordered closed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for its alleged involvement in an investment scam in Cebu.

Ferro said they received information that Lago and Chu were allegedly demanding P3 million from Ang in exchange for his release from detention.