Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III placed 10 Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit (SMMDFU) members under restrictive custody at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial facility for alleged kidnapping and robbery extortion.
“I will not allow and tolerate these kinds of incidents in the CIDG,” Torre said.
The CIDG chief said the 10 were relieved from the SMMDFU stationed at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and detained following the release of an investigation report from the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG).
PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon Director Brigadier Gen. Jean Fajardo revealed the information to reporters during a recent press briefing at Camp Crame. She said the accused police personnel whose names were withheld have been stripped of their official firearms and badges.
Based on the investigation, the erring cops raided a warehouse in Tondo on February 17 and arrested suspects who were charged with violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Afterwards, the CIDG operatives allegedly demanded money in exchange for the release of their victims. The PNP-IMEG led by Brigadier Gen. Bonard Briton investigated the SMMDFU personnel involved upon receiving a complaint.
On April 21, Briton recommended the filing of administrative cases against the accused cops, citing “grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and neglect of duty.”
