Police major arrested for extortion inside PNP Bicol regional command

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- A 40-year-old police major from La Union assigned at Camp General Simeon Ola, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional command in Bicol, was arrested for alleged extortion after reportedly demanding grease money from police recruits.

Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa “Malu” Calubaquib, spokesperson of the PNP Bicol regional office, said the police officer entered the service on August 24, 2020 and has been assigned to the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 5 since February 5, 2024.

The arrest stemmed from an entrapment operation conducted by the PNP following intelligence reports and sustained surveillance activities.

Based on reports, operatives of Police Regional Office 5 carried out a carefully planned entrapment operation on June 18, 2026 at around 10:45 a.m. inside Camp General Simeon A. Ola in Barangay 1, Legazpi City.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Regional Intelligence Unit 5 (RIU5), the RID Tracker Team as lead unit, and the Legazpi City Police Station.

Authorities arrested the police officer after he allegedly demanded and received P38,000 in exchange for facilitating the supposed passing of the medical phase of the ongoing PNP recruitment process in the region.

The identity of the police officer, who is assigned to the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 5 and is a resident of San Fernando City, La Union, was withheld pending further investigation.

He was turned over to the Legazpi City Police Station for proper disposition.

Prior to his arrest, Calubaquib said the officer was informed of the nature and cause of his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language known and understood by him.

“He was brought to the Legazpi City Hospital for physical and medical examination and subsequently turned over to the Legazpi City Police Station for proper documentation and disposition,” Calubaquib said.

Police Brig. Gen. Erosito N. Miranda, regional director of Police Regional Office 5, strongly condemned the incident and reiterated that safeguarding the integrity of the organization is a collective responsibility shared by all personnel regardless of rank or assignment.

He underscored the PNP’s intensified internal cleansing program aimed at preserving integrity within its ranks.

Miranda said the operation demonstrates the organization’s unwavering resolve to rid the police force of personnel involved in corruption, abuse of authority, and other illegal activities.

The command emphasized that recruitment and personnel selection processes must remain strictly merit-based, transparent, and free from any form of influence, favoritism, or monetary consideration.

Miranda stressed that discipline, integrity, and accountability are core values that every member of the organization is expected to uphold at all times.

“Any violation of these principles will be dealt with decisively, without fear or favor, and in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” Miranda said.

“This serves as a stern warning that any form of irregularity or corruption within the recruitment process and the organization will not be tolerated. We will continue to intensify internal cleansing efforts to ensure that those who tarnish the name of the service are held accountable,” he added.

Miranda also emphasized that the police regional command remains steadfast in its commitment to fair and impartial law enforcement, ensuring that laws, rules, and regulations are implemented equally and without favoritism among personnel and the general public.

He said the regional command likewise reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and public trust to ensure that the organization continues to serve with honor, integrity, and impartiality.