Chinese Nationals Claim PNP Attempted to Extort P4 Million During Manila Raid

Five Chinese nationals arrested in a Manila raid claim that Philippine National Police (PNP) officers tried to extort P4 million in exchange for legal help to secure their release.

The Chinese nationals alleged that the extortion attempt occurred after they declined to sign a false document labeling them as victims of human trafficking. This is based on their sworn affidavits which were cited by Bilyonaryo News Channel.

According to the BNC report, the detainees have requested the suspension of the PNP officials from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), who were operating under NCRPO Chief Major Gen. Sidney Hernia.

PNP officials denied the extortion claims. “I will not tolerate any wrongdoing within our ranks, and I fully support a transparent investigation into these allegations,” stated Major Gen. Hernia in a separate PNA article.

The detainees, who had refused to sign false human trafficking documents, were later able to hire their own lawyers after paying ₱500,000 each.

Authorities on October 29, 2024 raided a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility located inside the Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila.

Administrators of Century Peak Tower, the building where the raid occurred, claimed they had no knowledge of illegal POGO activities in the premises. The management of Century Peak Tower are planning to press charges against the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) of the PNP and the NCRPO.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) officials labeled the operation as “flawed,” citing reports of foreign suspects being released.

It was reported on November 6 that officers from the PNP-ACG were removed from their posts for allegedly tampering with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera during the post-raid investigation on October 31.

Read related article: Here’s why PAOCC described Manila POGO raid as “flawed”