7 Angeles cops held for extortion, arbitrary detention

MANILA, Philippines — Seven personnel of the Angeles City police were arrested on Friday for alleged arbitrary detention and extortion.

Maj. Marvin Aquino, the station’s police chief; M/Sgt. Romulo Meligrito, S/Sgts. Nikko Dave Marquez and Mark Steven Sison and Cpls. Richard Gozum, Diosdado Villamor Jr. and Jaypee Mangilit were apprehended by operatives of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group at their office at around 3:45 p.m., according to IMEG director Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon.

The seven were relieved from their posts, disarmed and brought to Camp Crame.

Esmael Arviola, a civilian asset, was arrested for illegal possession of a .38-caliber revolver.

De Leon said the operation was based on reports that the policemen demanded P30,000 from 12 people they arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drugs on May 28.

The policemen reportedly told a relative of one of the suspects that the charges would be downgraded to illegal gambling, which is a bailable offense, in exchange for the amount.

De Leon said it was learned that the suspects were detained, but no complaint was filed against them.

There was no police blotter entry about the arrest and detention of the suspects, he added.   – Ramon Efren Lazaro