POLICE in Southern Leyte arrested a fellow policeman who was caught inside a motel with a 16-year-old student during an entrapment operation last February 2.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Provincial Field Unit identified the suspect as Police Officer 3 Ramil Bilbao, 31, a resident of Barangay Combado, Maasin City.
A married man, Bilbao is currently assigned at Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), the CIDG said.
The police operation stemmed from the complaint filed by the student and her mother against Bilbao for violation of Republic Act 7610 or "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."
The victim and her mother told the police that Bilbao allegedly had a dummy Facebook/Messenger account using the old CIDG logo. He allegedly used it to blackmail the student in exchange for explicit acts.
During the entrapment around 4 p.m. Saturday, February 2, inside a motel in Barangay Tampoong, Sogod, the CIDG seized a robust food supplement tablet and three pieces of lubricated condoms from the suspect.
Also recovered were an Oppo mobile phone, two SIM cards, a USB flash drive, a caliber 9mm pistol, three magazines loaded with 39 live 9mm ammunition, police identification card, and personal belongings.
Police Inspector Herbert Mendoza, the CIDG provincial chief, led the entrapment operation. Police are now preparing for appropriate charges against Bilbao.
Meanwhile, PNP Regional Director Dionardo Carlos warned policemen of their sworn duty to serve and to protect the public.
“The safety and security of the community and its citizens is our top priority. Any violator will not be spared, especially if he or she is part of the PNP organization. Let us not forget that the PNP organization takes the lead role in public safety, let us keep it that way,” Carlos said. (SunStar Philippines)