IPPO probes 3 Pavia cops for ‘extortion’
Three police officers including the former chief of Pavia police station are being investigated by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) for alleged extortion activities.
The police officers were identified as PO3 Elmer Cordero and SPO2 Eliezer Catador, both of Pavia PNP and Chief Insp. Dante Dumaguin, who is now assigned at the 2nd Maneuver Platoon of the IPPO.
An unknown complainant, through text message, claimed that Cordero and Catador were asking P10 to P20 from the drivers of trucks used for the floodway project passing along Pavia town.
Immediately, Senior Supt. Renato Gumban, officer-in-charge of IPPO, ordered Supt. Benedicto Genodepa, chief of IPPO’s Investigation Section, to conduct an investigation regarding the complaint.
Dumaguin’s name was also included after the complainant suspected that the former chief of police might have some ideas or involvement in the illegal activity of his men.
Yesterday, the three policemen were invited for questioning at the IPPO headquarters in Camp Sumagaysay, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
When reached for comment, Dumaguin said that he has no idea on the alleged extortion activity made by his former policemen. He said that there was no report on the matter when he was still assigned at the Pavia PNP.
The same denials were also made by Cordero and Catador.
According to Cordero, if the allegation is true, the complainant should come out into the open.
Cordero added that he is willing to face the investigation to clear his name.
