A couple was arrested yesterday when they tried to bribe policemen who had apprehended their minor relative, for allegedly selling pirated optical media products with pornographic films, at the Gaisano Super Mall in Singcang, Bacolod City.

Nabbed in an entrapment operation at McDonalds food chain store at Burgos Extension, Bacolod City, were Jabbar Dilinog Ramos, 21, and his wife, Ashley, 23, of Gardenville Subdivision, Bacolod City .

Senior Inspector Rico Santotome, chief of the Negros Occidental police Special Operations Group, said he and SPO1 Dante Victor Escorpion, SPO1 Mario de la Torre and PO1 Mae Arlene Escarda were offered P3,500 in bribe money, if they could not file charges and release the minor who was arrested with 10 others in a recent raid at a shopping mall in acolod City.

Santotome said the couple had even prepared copies of an affidavit of desistance they wanted him sign, as soon as he accepts the money.

SOG operatives also recovered a Nokia 3250 cellphone, that had been used by the suspects in negotiating with the policemen for the bribe offer, aside from the cash and copies of affidavit of desistance.

Charges for violation of Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code, or bribery, were filed yesterday against the couple, now detained at the Police Station 4 Jail of the Bacolod City Police Office.

The recent raid at the Gaisano Super Mall by a combined team of NOPPO intelligence and SOG operatives yielded about 5,000 pieces of pirated DVDs and VCDs, nine television sets, and 5 DVD players with six speakers

The 11 suspects, including the two minors who are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are facing charges for violation of the Optical Media Board Act.

The court set bail at P24,000 each for the 11 arrested suspects.

Escorpion and Chief Inspector Santiago Rapiz were also praised by their superiors earlier for refusing to accept bribe money from a financier of illegal gambling and members of the Salisi Gang.

“This should serve as a reminder to all that they cannot bribe policemen in Negros Occidental,” Santotome said.*GPB

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