The Southern Police District has pledged to prevent any misconduct by officers who are found to be abusive or involved in illegal activities.
“As members of the Philippine National Police, we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors.
We do not tolerate any form of wrongdoing or abuse of authority by our members,” said SPD director Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano.
Mariano issued the statement following the arrest of Lordgin Antonino, a 39-year-old police officer, and his brother Nelson, for the kidnapping of a Chinese national in Pasay City last Sunday.
The Antonino brothers were arrested after Malaysian national Law Yi Wei reported that his Chinese friend Zhou Yunqing was arrested by “CIDG officers” for alleged human trafficking.
The SPD stated that the suspects allegedly disguised as CIDG agents, detained the victim, and demanded P500,000 for her release. Members of the Pasay City Police Sub-station 3 formed a team to conduct a rescue operation, which led to the suspects’ arrest.
Police recovered from the suspects a 9mm Taurus, a magazine loaded with 14 live ammunition, a PNP ID, a wallet, 14 pieces of ₱1000 bills, five identification cards, and three cellphones during the rescue operation. Complaints for Illegal Detention, Robbery Extortion, Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearm and Ammunition) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, Falsification of Public Documents, and Article 179 of the revised penal code (Illegal Use of PNP Uniform) were filed against the suspects, who are presently detained at Pasay City Custodial Facility.
Mariano said the SPD will continue to act swiftly against any individuals within their ranks who engage in criminal activities.
He emphasized the PNP’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors.
He also assured that “many of our police personnel are still excellent public servants who are eager to assist and serve their fellow Filipinos outside of the scope of their duties.”
The kidnapping was one in a recent string of incidents involving erring policemen, with 24 being relieved after testing positive for drug use.