MANILA, Philippines — Five police officers assigned at the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have been relieved from their posts for allegedly extorting P15,000 from a Chinese national.
MIAA general manager Eric Ines said the airport police personnel were sacked after the victim filed a complaint with the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP).
The Chinese told police that the extortion happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Feb. 4.
According to the victim, he had accompanied a fellow Chinese to the airport when the suspects asked him to show his passport.
The victim showed a copy of his passport on his cell phone, but the airport police officers still took him into custody.
The suspects allegedly demanded P15,000 from the Chinese in exchange for his release.
Lt. Col. Alfredo Lim, who heads the AVSEGROUP, said robbery and extortion charges have been filed against the suspects before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.