CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga - A police officer here has categorically denied that he demanded P1 million from the owner of a bar that they raided on June 6 in Balibago, Angeles City.
In a text message, Chief Inspector Melvin Montante, head of the Regional Intelligence Section, said that operatives of Regional Special Operations Group have actually filed a case of anti-trafficking in persons against the owner of the bar identified as Veronica Raymundo and an unidentified Australian as well as arrested persons before the Office of Angeles City Prosecutor Percival Atinja.
“How can the operatives ask or demand P1 million from Raymundo when we have filed charges?” Montante said.
He reiterated that the operation is legitimate.
Elements of the Intelligence Operation Section led by Inspector Maynard Pascual recently raided the Honey Ko Bar along Fields Avenue, Barangay Balibago, Angeles City that resulted in the arrest of five employees of the bar and its owner.
The operatives were able to rescue 24 employees that were being used in the sexual trade. The rescued employees of the bar were later turned over to the Regional Department of Social Welfare and Development, Montante said.
Chief Inspector Heryl Bruno, Pampanga chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Raymundo has filed extortion charges against the RSOG operatives also at the Angeles City Prosecutor’s Office.
However, Bruno did not identify the policemen.
He alleged that the operatives allegedly asked the owner of the bar for P1 million so that charges would not be pursued against the owner. (Ric Sapnu)