PHILIPPINE National Police Highway Patrol Group director, Chief Superintendent Leonardo A. Espina yesterday reiterated his strict policy against all forms of abuses particularly extortion and reminded his officials that they will be held responsible for their failure to take appropriate actions against their erring personnel.

“Time and again, I have reminded all of our personnel to serve the public right and never mulct. Start with the characters of your men. I will not hesitate to dismiss any personnel complained of by victims starting with the suspects in the Arnel Ignacio case,” Espina told his 17 regional officers and Camp Crame-based officials.

Espina has ordered the disarming and restriction to quarters of three members of the National Capital Region Highway Patrol Unit accused by Ignacio of extorting P50,000 from him last March 26.

Criminal charges for robbery with intimidation and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act have been filed against the three before the San Juan City Prosecutor’s Office, the PNP-HPG Investigation Management Division said.

In its complaint, the HPG said the accused, Police Officers 3 Jose Levy Llagas and Neil S. Pono and PO1 Joel L. Lasala ‘took advantage of their public positions as members of the PNP-HPG ‘and by means of intimidation and with intent to gain, did then and there, willfully, unlawfully and feloniously demand, take and extort the amount of P50,000’ from Ignacio.

A hotel telemarketer identified as Ma. Dolores “Lulu” Paraoan is also being considered for prosecution by the HPG amid suspicions she was in cahoots with the three accused, Espina said.

The complaint sheet signed by Senior Supt. Ricky N. Nerbes said the three demanded the amount from Ignacio after telling him they would not impound his 1997 Porsche with plate no. RCG-996 over alleged unpaid Customs taxes.

Ignacio met Espina and his top officials anew Thursday to press charges against the three. Espina said that the three will be subjected to summary dismissal proceedings upon the recommendation of an HPG fact-finding body headed by his deputy, Senior Supt. Danilo Alcoriza.

“I’m here at the HPG headquarters to prove that I’m indeed serious in going after these rogue HPG personnel. But right now, it’s very comforting and I feel that I’m being provided by full security (by the HPG) that gives me the comfort to continue the case,” he said.

“I also have to do my part. This is very, very challenging. All of a sudden, my life has changed in a positive way,” he added.

Ignacio encouraged other people victimized by rogue police officers like him to surface and file necessary charges against the accused. “Mas lalakas kung mas marami tayo. Pinaaalalahanan ko ’yung mga ibang nakaranas ng harassment sa mga otoridad na umaksiyon. Don’t let it pass tapos uulitin lang nila dahil me mga procedures pala ang mga pulis,” he said.

He added that it’s still premature to say he’s receiving threats as a result of the incident. “Pero hindi natin masasabi kasi ang kalaban me uniporme, me baril,” he said.