SC upholds conviction of 2 cops for robbery, extortion

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the conviction of two Manila police officers who were found guilty of robbery and extortion.

In an 11-page decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the SC’s Second Division denied the consolidated petitions for review filed by Cpl. Ireneo Sosas Jr. and Senior M/Sgt. Ariel Salvador.

Sosas and Salvador were sentenced to up to eight years in prison.

They were also ordered to pay Arbuez P20,000 in damages.

In 2010, Sosas and Salvador were charged with robbery before the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, based on the complaint of salesperson Janith Arbuez.

Arbuez, who worked at a cell phone shop at Isetann Mall, had claimed that Sosas brought her to the mall’s administrative office to report her for selling stolen phones.

Sosas allegedly took Arbuez to the police station.

Salvador and Sosas allegedly asked P20,000 from the victim in exchange for the dropping of a complaint for violating the Anti-Fencing Law against Arbuez.

When Arbuez negotiated for a lower amount, Sosas allegedly agreed on the condition that they become “sweethearts.”

The victim refused and called her sister-in-law to bring the money to the police station.

After 18 hours in detention, Arbuez was freed after Sosas had received the money.

The Manila regional trial court found Sosas and Salvador guilty of robbery. Their conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, prompting them to elevate their appeal to the SC.