NCRPO acting chief, 14 others face extortion raps from Chinese nationals

Complaints for alleged extortion have been filed against NCRPO acting chief Major General Sidney Hernia and 14 other police officers by four Chinese citizens arrested during an anti-cybercrime operation.

The complainants claim their arrest was illegal and that the arresting officers attempted to extort P1 million from each of them in exchange for freedom.

Major General Hernia has categorically denied the allegations, calling them 'absurd and unfounded' and welcoming an investigation to prove the legality of the operation.

The NCRPO officially denied the extortion allegations on Tuesday, November 5, asserting the raid on the suspected POGO hub in Malate, Manila was regular and legal.

The PNP spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo maintained the raid was legitimate, noting the presence of security and barangay officials, and the use of body-worn cameras.

The raid targeted an alleged scam hub in Century Peak Tower, Manila, and resulted in the apprehension of at least 69 foreigners who were later released as they could not be legally detained.

The establishment owners claimed that police also raided areas not covered by the search warrant, but the PNP maintained the regularity of the operation and expressed openness to face the charges.