Cop arrests man for carrying 'bayawak'

MANILA, Philippines - A man who came to Manila to visit his uncle filed charges against a policeman yesterday for allegedly arresting him for carrying two “bayawak” or monitor lizards and demanding P20,000 for his release last Friday.

Jerry Orgilles, 35, of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, accused Police Officer 3 Jessie Villanueva of robbery extortion, theft, threat and coercion at the Manila Police District (MPD) General Assignment Section.

Orgilles told Senior Police Officer 2 John Cayetano that Villanueva arrested him after got off a bus in Sta. Cruz, Manila because of the lizards he was about to bring his uncle as gifts.

He said Villanueva brought him to the Arranque market, where the policeman sold the lizards for P3,000 and took all the proceeds. Orgilles said Villanueva took him to the Alvarez community precinct and told him he will be charged unless he coughs up P20,000.

He said Villanueva released him when he realized he could not come up with the money.

Sources said Villanueva is no longer with the MPD. He was reportedly transferred to the National Capital Regional Police Office after being charged with illegally releasing a suspect in July.

Villanueva, PO3 Frederick Pastor and Barangay 253 Zone 23 chairman Joel Amores were accused by businessman Juanito Tan of illegally releasing Ernesto Cortez, who is the subject of an arrest warrant for issuing a bouncing check.

source: The Philippine Star

Balikbayan accuses 11 cops of extortion

MANILA, Philippines – A balikbayan from Canada is accusing 11 policemen of extortion. The complainant, Belinda Placido, claimed she was arrested by 10 members of Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4 and a personnel from Police Security and Protection Group in Zambales. Placido said the policemen tagged her in the killing of a policeman's son, and then brought her to Camp Crame. The complainant said she was eventually transferred to MPD Station 4's Anti-Crime Unit where she was detained for two days. Placido said she was released after she paid the policemen's alleged demand of P1 million. The complainant has sought the help of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

PNP issues updated guidelines on checkpoints

In light of alarming increase in ABUSES done by cops on its citizenry and in a bid to eradicate these abuses committed by police elements in the conduct of anti-crime operations, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome issued today a 10-point list of guidelines to be observed by lawmen manning checkpoints.

According to General Bartolome, the PNP will strictly abide by the instruction of the Department of Justice to implement a "no tint" or "clear window" policy among marked police vehicles in order to gain the trust and confidence of the citizenry. The move is also designed to prevent scalawags in uniform from using police cars for their illicit activities or violating traffic regulations.

The general public is thus advised on these 10 rules on military/police checkpoints:

* Checkpoint must be well-lit, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.

* Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle.

* Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed.

* Do not submit to a physical or body search.

* You are not obliged to open the glove compartment, the trunk or bags.

* Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.

* Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.

* Keep your driver's license and car registration handy and within reach.

* Be ready to use your cell phone at any time. Save an emergency number on your speed dial.

* Report violations immediately. Your actions may save others.


This public advisory guides motorists on how to deal with authorities at checkpoints. The objective is to ensure its implementation in proper searches and seizures to avoid violation of human rights. The advisory also serves as a warning to erring law enforcers. The PNP wants to eliminate illegal checkpoints.

"As the promotion of right-based policing becomes a focal point in the agenda of the PNP leadership, the conduct of police or law enforcement must be in compliance with human rights standards," stated General Bartolome.