NIR policewoman faces recruitment extortion case

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A policewoman assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Administrative Unit in the Negros Island Region is facing criminal and administrative charges for allegedly demanding money from a police applicant in exchange for assistance in joining the Philippine National Police.

In a recent media interview, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said the robbery-extortion complaint was filed June 11 by a male applicant in Bacolod City.

The complaint filed before the Bacolod City Police Office alleged that the policewoman accepted money and later sought additional payments related to the applicant’s bid to join the PNP.

Authorities are looking into the possibility that other victims may come forward.

PRO-NIR encouraged anyone with information about similar recruitment-related activities involving police personnel to report them.

Aside from the criminal complaint, an administrative case against the policewoman is underway.

Cardiño said investigators hope to complete the administrative proceedings within the next few months to determine the extent of any violations committed.

As part of the investigation, the policewoman surrendered her service firearm through her lawyer following Cardiño’s directive.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the policewoman has been placed on floating status while her administrative case undergoes pre-charge evaluation.