National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief Major General Ronnie Cariaga were transferred to area police commands amid the complaints in connection with their raid in Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Hernia was assigned as officer-in-charge of Area Police Command (AFP) Southern Luzon while Cariaga as commander of AFP Northern Luzon.
“The PNP decided to put them in [these positions] po kasi while waiting po sa magiging final disposition as to their status po. So sayang naman po yung kanilang mga expertise,” Fajardo said at a press briefing.
(The PNP decided to put them in [these positions] while waiting for the final disposition as to their status. We do not want to waste their expertise.)
According to Fajardo, two police officials took over the vacant positions in the APCs following the retirement of some senior officers.
Hernia and Cariaga have been relieved from their posts for 10 days after four Chinese citizens questioned their arrest during a police raid at an alleged scam hub in Manila on October 30.
One of the foreigners also said that the cops even tried to extort P1 million from each of them in exchange for a lawyer who is allegedly connected to the higher-ups at the NCRPO and for their freedom.
Hernia in a statement denied the extortion allegations against him and 14 more cops.
“NCRPO Director MGen. Sidney Hernia categorically denied allegations of extortion made against him and 14 other NCRPO officers, describing them as ‘’absurd and unfounded,’” the NCRPO said in a statement.
Hernia said the NCRPO is open to an investigation and he will not tolerate wrongdoings within their ranks.
“This is a chance for the truth to prevail, and I am confident that the investigation will reveal that all procedures followed were lawful and proper,” Hernia said.
“The NCRPO remains steadfast in its mission to combat criminality and protect the public from fraudulent activities. We stand ready to clear our names and reinforce our dedication to integrity and service,” he added.
Fajardo said the committee looking into the incident has completed the investigation.
“The investigation has already been completed and they are just finalizing the documentation, and the findings and recommendation of the committee created for the purpose will be submitted to proper authorities,” she added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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