Seven police officers assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5, also known as the Ermita Police Station, have been arrested by the Intelligence Division of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) following a complaint filed by the family of a man they had previously taken into custody.
According to NCRPO's investigation, the officers arrested a man on June 20, 2025, accusing him of involvement in illegal drugs. However, the allegation turned out to be false, according to a report by RH 29 Boy Gonzales.
The victim's wife said the officers initially demanded ₱50,000 in exchange for her husband's release. Unable to afford the amount, she negotiated with the officers, who eventually agreed to a ₱20,000 payment, which she sent via GCash.
Following the transaction, the man was released without any formal charges filed against him.
Determined to seek justice, the wife later filed a complaint and demanded that the money be returned. Despite allegedly receiving threats and intimidation from the officers, the couple remained firm in pursuing legal action.
The couple brought their case directly to NCRPO Director Police Major General Anthony Aberin, who then ordered an operation inside MPD Station 5. As a result, the seven police officers were arrested.
The suspects now face multiple charges, including robbery extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, and violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice).
