ILOILO City – Extortionists appear to be monitoring police anti-drug operations in this city and preying on the families of arrested suspects, with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recording seven attempts to demand money in exchange for the detainees’ supposed release since January.
ICPO director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla disclosed the scheme amid an ongoing investigation into a separate extortion allegation involving a person believed to be connected with the Molo Police Station.
“From January up to the present, we have recorded seven attempted extortion cases. In almost all of these incidents, the targets were the families of persons arrested in our anti-illegal drug operations,” Parilla said.
The perpetrators apparently keep track of police buy-bust operations and contact the arrested suspects’ relatives shortly afterward, he added.
The extortionists claim they can influence the criminal case or arrange the suspect’s freedom in exchange for money.
“Once they learn that someone has been arrested, they immediately contact the family and ask for money, making them believe they can secure the person’s release,” he said.
Parilla warned that no police officer is authorized to solicit money from the families of arrested individuals in exchange for their release or favorable treatment of their cases.
“We want the public to understand that the release of an arrested person follows legal procedures. No police officer is allowed to ask for money to facilitate the release of a suspect or influence the outcome of a case,” he said.
He urged families to refuse such demands and immediately report anyone claiming to have police connections or the ability to secure the release of a detained relative.
“If someone contacts you and asks for money in exchange for the release of a detained relative, do not give in. Alert us so we can investigate and identify those responsible,” Parilla said.
However, the ICPO chief acknowledged that efforts to prosecute the perpetrators have been hampered by the reluctance of some victims to cooperate with investigators and formally pursue complaints.
“We are encouraging the complainants to come forward and formally file cases. Their cooperation is essential because without complainants and supporting evidence, it becomes difficult to prosecute those behind these extortion attempts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 6 is validating an alleged extortion incident involving a person believed to be connected with the Molo Police Station.
Regional police authorities said fact-finding efforts were underway to determine the authenticity of the allegation and identify those involved./PN
