MANILA – National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia has been relieved from his post for 10 days after being slapped with an extortion complaint.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed the development on Thursday, based on the order of General Rommel Marbil, the PNP director.
Four Chinese citizens questioned the police operation conducted at an alleged scam hub in Manila on October 30.
One of the foreigners also said the cops tried to extort P1 million from each of them in exchange for a lawyer who is allegedly connected to the higher-ups at the NCRPO and for their freedom.
Aside from the administrative charges, the Chinese complainants also sought a preventive suspension order to be issued against Hernia to avoid possibly influencing the investigation.
The NCRPO, meanwhile, denied the extortion allegation.
“NCRPO director Major General Sidney Hernia categorically denies allegation of extortion made against him and 14 other NCRPO officers, describing them as ’absurd and unfounded,” he NCRPO said in a statement.
“This is a chance for the truth to prevail, and the NCRPO is confident that the investigation will reveal that all procedures followed were lawful and proper,” it said.
The NCRPO also said they remain steadfast in its mission to combat criminality and protect the public from fraudulent activities./PN
