Manila, Philippines — Authorities are investigating a Muntinlupa police officer over alleged links to the killing of jeepney driver Michael Ferrer and a reported extortion scheme involving public utility drivers in the city.
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has taken over the investigation following calls from Ferrer’s family and transport groups for justice and accountability. Officials said the probe aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Ferrer’s death and examine the allegations raised against the police officer involved.
Police Master Sergeant Edwin Figueroa of the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) has been named in connection with the complaints. Investigators are looking into claims that a gunman allegedly involved in Ferrer’s killing had ties to Figueroa, while authorities continue to gather evidence to establish the facts.
Transport group MANIBELA also alleged that an illegal collection scheme had been imposed on jeepney drivers in Muntinlupa. According to the group, drivers were reportedly required to pay ₱45 per trip, with those who failed to do so allegedly experiencing difficulty in securing passenger queues or finding passengers along their routes.
The alleged collection scheme was said to have been operating since 2022, prompting the filing of administrative and criminal complaints against the respondent officer.
Ferrer’s family, including his wife Edily Rodriguez and daughter Michaela Ferrer, continues to seek justice following his death. They said Ferrer had previously expressed concerns about possible threats against him before the incident and are urging authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan warned police officers involved in illegal collection activities that they would face the full force of the law and could be dismissed from the service if the allegations are proven. He emphasized that the commission remains committed to removing law enforcement personnel who abuse their authority and restoring public trust in the police.—Angel Aldo, Contributor