PNP probes cop moonlighting as Chinese fugitive’s escort

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman is in hot water for allegedly moonlighting as a security escort for a Chinese arrested in Makati on Wednesday for telecom fraud abroad.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an investigation into the policeman’s involvement with Zhang Jinglong, who was apprehended by police and Bureau of Immigration personnel in Barangay Bel-Air.

Authorities have been hunting down Zhang, who is being linked to multimillion-peso telecommunications scams abroad. Three other Chinese, who were in the raided house, were apprehended for failing to present their passports and immigration documents.

“This is very concerning, that an active police officer is involved in protecting a fugitive. This is a clear betrayal of public trust if proven,” Nartatez said in a statement.

In an investigation report, Makati police chief Col. Pedro Alagano Jr. said the officer is a master sergeant assigned with the district headquarters support unit of the Southern Police District.

The policeman’s involvement with Zhang was confirmed after his uniform was found in the residence.