Cop, traffic enforcer, tanod held for extortion

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan, Philippines — A policeman, a traffic enforcer and a village watchman were arrested in this town on Tuesday for allegedly extorting money from motorists.

Cpl. Daniel Penuliar of the Bayambang police, Felomino Espejo of the municipal public order and safety office and Nestor Layno Sr., watchman of Barangay Pantol were accused of asking money from motorists who could not present their vaccination cards and other COVID documents at the border of Bayambang and Alcala towns.

The suspects were apprehended in an entrapment conducted by the Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and local police.

The three are being held on charges of robbery extortion, graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, Ilocos police director, relieved Bayambang police chief Lt. Col. Andres Calaowa “for possible lapses in supervising his personnel.” – Emmanuel Tupas