Criminal charges were already slapped against two policemen for taking money from a Pakistani businessman last week.

Police Officer 1 (PO1) James Olvido and PO2 Rex Gabaua, both assigned at the Iloilo City Police Office Intelligence Section (ICPO-S2), were charged for serious illegal detention, grave threats, and extortion.

Olvido also dragged his wife, Anna, on the charges against him and Gabaua lodged at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecution Office docketed under I.S. No. 12-00959 last December 5.

Complainant Tahir Akhunzadah, through his legal counsel, revealed that the Olvido couple and Gabaua went to his house at Providence Subdivision at Brgy. Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo at around 10:00 a.m. of November 28.

The two policemen told the Pakistani that he has a pending arrest warrant for an illegal drugs case.

However, the two allegedly negotiated that they won’t arrest him and, in effect, make the case vanish in exchange for P200,000.

The fear of incarceration for a trumped-up charge allegedly forced Akhunzadah to fall into the trio’s “offer.”

As reported, the Pakistani told the three that he had no money at hand but had to get it from his merchandising store in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The three went with him. In the presence of Akhunzadah’s employees, the three received the P200,000.

Later, the Pakistani lodged a complained.

An investigation was then conducted by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO).

When things led into the Olvido, his wife, and Gabaua, they returned the P150,000 cash to Akhunzadah.

“The fact that they returned a portion of the money is a clear indication that there was bribery,” said Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6.

Cruz also ordered ICPO director Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio to put the two policemen under custodial investigation. 

“I’m just waiting for official report and we would start the summary dismissal proceedings against them,” he added.

Aside from the instant case, Cruz noted that there was no recorded complaint against the two.*