MANILA, Philippines — A police officer in the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) is under investigation for allegedly extorting an applicant in exchange for assistance to enter the police service.
In a statement on Tuesday, PRO NIR said the complaint against the implicated personnel, whom it did not immediately name, was filed before the Bacolod City Police Office but did not say when.
“[The] police personnel [allegedly] demanded and received money from a PNP (Philippine National Police) applicant in exchange for purported assistance in securing entry into the police service,” the regional police explained.
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“The complainant likewise alleged that additional payments were subsequently requested. The matter is now the subject of appropriate criminal and administrative proceedings,” it added.
In the statement, PRO NIR director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño assured that the case against the implicated officer will be “thorough and impartial.”
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PRO NIR also appealed to other individuals who may have experienced the same alleged extortion to come forward and report the incidents.
“No applicant is required to pay any amount of money to secure appointment into the Philippine National Police. Recruitment and selection are based solely on qualifications, competencies, and compliance with established requirements,” the regional police stressed.
For its part, in its own statement earlier on Tuesday, the PNP took note of the case.
“The PNP reiterates its zero-tolerance policy against any form of misconduct, including allegations of extortion, abuse of authority, or any act that undermines the integrity of the police service,” the national police force maintained.
“It assures the public that all such complaints are acted upon without delay and properly investigated in accordance with due process,” it added.
Neither the PNP nor PRO NIR disclosed the current status of the implicated officer. /cb
