AUTHORITIES arrested on Sunday, July 14 a man posing as a police officer and extorting money from police applicants in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Robel Canlas, 59, a resident of Mabalacat, Pampanga, introduces himself as Senior Police Officer 2 Gerome Canlas.

He will be charged for usurpation of authority, estafa and illegal possession of firearms.

PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) Chief Romeo Caramat said Canlas was arrested in an entrapment operation after he asked for P40,000 in exchange for his assistance to a police applicant who was seeking a height waiver.

The complainant said Canlas asked for another P20,000 for her neuro and medical examination.

Caramat said the suspect has victimized at least nine persons.

“Based on the investigation for this year he victimized nine persons applying for police. Masasabi ko lang mag-apply ng police or real cop huwag po kayo maniwala dahil very strict ‘yung pagtanggap ng applicant for PNP dahil we want is cream of the crop huwag po kayo maniwala and sa mga nabiktima pumunta sila dito sa opisina. I encourage them to file cases against the suspect,” he said.

(What I can say to those applying to become policemen, the process is very strict because we want the cream of the crop. Don’t believe people who tell you they can help you. I call on those who have been victimized to visit us here in our office and file cases against the suspect.) (SunStar Philippines)