Manila: The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has taken decisive action by disarming a police officer suspected of orchestrating the murder of a jeepney driver. The officer, a police non-commissioned officer (PNCO) stationed at the Regional Internal Affairs Service - National Capital Region (RIAS-NCR), is now under restrictive custody.

According to Philippines News Agency, Inspector General Brigido Dulay, chief of the PNP-IAS, stated that a criminal complaint has been filed against the officer at the Muntinlupa City prosecutor's office. Dulay emphasized that the officer received no special treatment due to his position within the IAS. He reaffirmed the IAS's commitment to accountability, stressing that betrayal of the badge will not be tolerated.

Dulay further assured the public that the misconduct of individual officers does not reflect the institution as a whole. In a related development, the victim's wife has lodged an administrative complaint against the officer with the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Dulay acknowledged Napolcom's independent investigation as crucial for justice and promised full cooperation, including sharing relevant evidence gathered by the IAS. He also announced an internal review of IAS's personnel screening and monitoring to preemptively address red flags.

In a separate statement, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan issued a stern warning against police extortion activities. He declared that any officer involved in collecting illegal "kotong" or protection money would face immediate dismissal.

This directive follows a formal complaint by transport group Manibela and the victim's family against Police Executive M/Sgt. Edwin Figueroa, accused of masterminding the killing over the victim's refusal to pay "butaw" or illegal collections. Calinisan assured a rigorous and uncompromising pursuit of the case, with a resolution expected within 60 days.

Calinisan called on all victims of police extortion to report incidents to Napolcom, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), or local police stations, reinforcing the agency's commitment to accountability across the police ranks.