Cops nab 8 extorting traffic enforcers in Davao, CDO

MANILA, Philippines - Eight mulcting traffic enforcers, including 3 highway patrol cops, were arrested in separate police operations in Davao del Sur and Cagayan de Oro City.

Inspector Alberto Lupas of the Davao regional police office identified the arrested Highway Patrol Group members as Police Office 2 John Llevado, Senior Police Officer 2 Alfredo Timosana and Senior Police Officer 3 Carlito Albite.

Arrested with the policemen was their alleged "collector" Rhuel Allera, a civilian.

Lupas said the entrapment operation was conducted after the regional police office received several complaints of the policemen's supposed mulcting activities through text messages.

The 4 suspects were arrested along the highway of Barangay Guihing in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.

Seized from the Timosan's Toyota Revo, which was parked along the highway, were crumpled peso bills.

In Cagayan de Oro City, operatives of the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested 5 Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcers.

Recovered from the LTO men was a small cabinet filled with cash that they collected from motorists. -- Report from Francis Magbanua, ABS-CBN News