A Bacolod City policeman, who refused to accept a P5,000 bribe for the release of an illegal gambling suspect he arrested Wednesday in Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City, has been commended by his boss.

Senior Police Officer 1 Dante Victor Escorpion, assigned at the Bacolod City Police Office Vice Control Desk, yesterday said he, Insp. Jerick Filosofo and Senior Police Officer 1 Carlos Sombria arrested Michael Montaño, 30, of Purok Kapisan in Brgy. Vista Alegre, Bacolod, at Bangga Cory who was soliciting bets for jai-alai, at about 9 p.m. Wednesday.

They also seized from Montaño a roll of intermediate pad paper with number combinations written on it, betting stubs, a tipster with the codename “King”, a ballpen, P135 in cash and confiscated his Honda Wave 100 motorcycle, Escorpion said.

While at Police Station 6, Montaño asked Escorpion how much money he wanted in exchange for his freedom, the police officer said.

Escorpion said he told Montaño he did not need to give him money because he was going to release him anyway. Escorpion said that, despite his refusal, Montaño was persistent with his offer and later sent a text message to a person, whom he called “boss” to send the money.

About 20 minutes later, Rosaldo Tampani, 43, of Purok Bayanihan in Brgy. Villamonte, who was sent by Montaño’s “boss”, came and handed P5,000 to Escorpion, who immediately arrested and handcuffed him.

“Illegal gambling charges and indirect bribery will be filed against Montaño while direct bribery will be filed against Tampani”, Escorpion said.

Escorpion said Wednesday’s incident was not the first time he has refused a bribe. When he was assigned to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial office an illegal gambling suspect also tried to offer him P30,000, which he also refused to accept.

Escorpion’s refusal to accept the bribe money is a commendable act and is worth emulating, Bacolod City Police officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, said yesterday.

An appropriate award will be conferred on Escorpion, he said.*APN

back to top