PNP-CITF arrests 6 cops & 2 civilians in an entrapment operation at Digdig, Caranglan PNP checkpoint in Nueva Ecija for allegedly extorting money from traveling merchants. @ABSCBNNews @ANCALERTS pic.twitter.com/BEtXPTY8yK

— Maan Macapagal (@maan_macapagal) January 16, 2018

Six police officers and 2 civilians were arrested Tuesday in an entrapment operation at Digdig, Carranglan police checkpoint in Nueva Ecija for allegedly extorting traveling merchants.

The Philippine National Police-Counter Intelligence Task Force (CITF) caught the following policemen, all members of the Carranglan Municipal Station:

• SPO1 Antonio Otic
• PO3 Danilo Sotelo
• PO3 Oliver Antonio
• PO3 Ronald Buncad
• PO2 Rodrigo Edralin
• PO2 Romeo Nuñez

The 2 civilians who acted as collectors and were visible at the checkpoint were identified as Ramon Capillangan and Darwin Lagisma.

"Itong PNP checkpoint somewhere in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija manned by personnel of Carranglan Municipal Police Station, from all merchants, trucking na nanggagaling from Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, pababa ng Manila na dumadaan sa checkpoint nila, they have to give a certain amount of money before they could pass," CITF spokesperson Chief Insp. Jewel Nicanor said.

Truck personnel said they tossed out P5 every time they passed the checkpoint, which the collectors picked up.

"Kapag hindi raw po sila nagbibigay, hinahabol po sila, hino-hold daw sila for the meantime. Iyong mga dala po nilang goods is very valuable, perishable goods, napipilitan po silang magbigay," Nicanor said.

Authorities said the suspects collected P2,440 every day.

"Even if it's a small amount, we considered it as a gross violation even if a small amount, maliliit na bagay nag-uumpisa ang malaking bagay," Nicanor said.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa said he is determined to have the police suspects dismissed from service.

"Kung physically masama kang tao, kahit na siguro you have all the gold kapag masama ka ay masama ka talaga, gagawa pa rin sila ng paraan," Dela Rosa said.

"They deserve to be dismissed sa serbisyo, sisiguraduhin ko iyan."

The suspects will be charged with violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard of Public Officers and Employee.