MANILA – Two police officers and a civilian were arrested for allegedly robbing a Quezon City resident whom they accused of being involved in illegal drug activities.
In a report on Tuesday, the Quezon City Police District's Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) said Staff Sgt. Russell Ortega, Cpl. Joel Taboga, both assigned to the Caloocan Police Station, and their accomplice Robin Caidic were arrested by members of the Talipapa Police Station (TPS), in front of the Barangay Balon Bato Hall on Monday afternoon.
It said QCPD Homicide Section chief Cpt. Reynandy Tagle and TPS officers were reviewing closed circuit television (CCTV) footage at the barangay hall's second floor about a separate case when they noticed a commotion in front of the hall.
Tagle and the TPS officers arrested Ortega, Taboga and Caidic when they saw them chasing a certain Gerald Andrade.
The report said the two police officers claimed Andrade was an illegal drug suspect but failed to present documents proving the legality of their operation.
Andrade, meanwhile, claimed that he was onboard his motorcycle beside a gasoline station when the two police officers and their companion blocked him and took his motorcycle and wallet containing around PHP16,000 in cash.
He said he managed to run, prompting the police officers to chase him until they reached the barangay hall.
The two police officers also named their colleagues who were reportedly involved in the incident -- Corporals Judy Rizare, Andy Moja, Mark Anthony Vinagrera and Alvin Cruz. (PNA)
