Two of five Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) police officers accused of extorting taxi drivers have been found guilty in an administrative case by the Manila International Airport Authority – Special Investigation Committee on Police Matters (MIAA–SICOP).

RH Val Gonzales reports that in an 18-page resolution, Airport Police Officer 2 (APO) Roberto Abuel and APO 2 Alejandro Pineda Jr. were found guilty and sentenced to six months’ suspension from service.

The other three officers — APO 3 Pablito Seño, APO 2 Barnardo Agra, and APO 1 Rodolfo Piedad — were cleared due to insufficient evidence.

The case stemmed from complaints by taxi drivers Felix Opina and Jaymay Pagduan, who alleged they were forced to give 40% of their earnings to airport police.

The SICOP investigation found some inconsistencies in the complainants’ testimonies, but confirmed that Pagduan had direct knowledge of the money remitted to the accused officers.

The resolution stated that strong evidence indicated the two officers were guilty of grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, warranting suspension.

Previously, in June 2025, former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon had ordered the officers’ dismissal after taxi drivers revealed that police were demanding 40-60% of their earnings, leading to excessive fees at NAIA.

The decision was welcomed by the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, whose president, Atty. Ariel Inton represented the taxi drivers who exposed the extortion scheme.