Three civilians and two police officers have been arrested for allegedly extorting money from applicants seeking to join the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to a report by Edniel Parrosa, the three civilians were first arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at a shooting range in San Fernando City, Pampanga, after they allegedly demanded P250,000 from a 25-year-old PNP applicant.
A follow-up operation led authorities to two police officers allegedly linked to the extortion scheme.
One of the suspects was a police lieutenant serving as team leader of the Basilan Provincial Cyber Response Team. He was arrested in Quezon City.
The other suspect, a patrolman assigned to the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Zambales, was apprehended inside Camp Olivas.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned personnel against using their positions to profit from the police recruitment process.
“Wag natin gawing negosyo ang ating uniforme. Recruitment is based on merit, qualification, and integrity,” Nartatez said.
“Walang slot na binibenta o ipinapangako. If you know of anyone involved, report it,” he added.
Nartatez stressed that no rank, position, personal connection, or length of service would protect anyone found involved in wrongdoing from accountability.
