Manila: Seven members of the Manila Police District-Drug Enforcement Unit (MPD-DEU) have been relieved following allegations of extortion and misconduct. Upon Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso's order on Friday, MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad relieved 7 DEU officers and directed them to report to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit. Domagoso said he issued the directive to help restore public confidence in law enforcement as the case undergoes investigation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the order came after one of two motorcycle delivery riders, identified in his affidavit as "Chester," sought help from the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Chester claimed that he and his companion were arbitrarily arrested by seven MPD operatives in Sampaloc on September 9. He alleged that they were handcuffed and detained from 3 p.m. until nearly 1 a.m. the following day. Chester further claimed that the officers took PHP9,000 from his virtual wallet account and seized his companion's motorcycle.

Napolcom Commissioner Vicente Calinisan expressed concern over discrepancies between the riders' sworn statements and the police report. While the victims claimed extortion and illegal detention, the MPD-DEU report dated September 10 stated that the two men were arrested on drug-related charges.

As a result of the complaint, seven police officers -- a police major, two master sergeants, two staff sergeants, a corporal, and a patrolman -- are facing multiple administrative charges. These include grave misconduct, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.