QUEZON CITY—Authorities on Wednesday arrested an officer of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) for allegedly extorting P400,000 from a carnapping victim.

The PNP identified the suspect as Police Maj. Raul Salle, the Operations Management Division deputy chief based inside Camp Crame, headquarters of the PNP.

The victim, a woman who was not identified by authorities, allegedly dealt with Salle after her Mitsubishi Pajero was stolen in November.

According to the complainant, Salle asked for P140,000 to begin an investigation.

Having no cash at the time, the victim was advised by Salle to borrow money from a non-uniformed HPG personnel who allegedly lent her P70,000.

The complainant, an OFW, said she sent money several times as payment through Salle but the money allegedly never reached the HPG personnel.

In February, the complainant discovered the money was never remitted by the HPG personnel and confronted Salle, who suggested that she turn over her Mitsubishi Adventure so they can have it pawned as payment.

The complainant said the vehicle was never pawned but was instead utilized by the suspect as a personal vehicle. Salle allegedly parked the vehicle at HPG headquarters, and also drove it along EDSA.

When the complainant reportedly confronted Salle about the matter, he insisted the vehicle was pawned for P300,000.

In April, the victim went to the HPG several times to get her car back but Salle refused to return it and demanded P400,000 instead. This prompted the complainant to seek help from the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG).

PNP-IMEG immediately set the entrapment operation and arrested Salle on charges of extortion.

Salle is now in police custody and will be charged with criminal and administrative charges. — Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News