Authorities arrested seven Manila police officers late Monday in connection with alleged robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention and other charges.

The uniformed personnel, assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD), were taken into custody around 11 p.m. at Police Station 5 in Ermita, Manila.

This comes as the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) Regional Intelligence Division and the MPD followed a complaint filed Monday night by a private citizen.

Those arrested, all from the anti-drug unit of Station 5, include one lieutenant, three staff sergeants and three patrolmen.

Initial investigations reveal that the 49-year-old male complainant was falsely arrested on 20 June 2025, on fabricated drug charges. While he was detained, the officers allegedly extorted P50,000 from his spouse for his release.

Although only P20,000 was transferred via mobile payment, the complainant was released without charges. When the officers learned a formal complaint had been filed, they reportedly returned the money in an attempt to prevent legal action.

Authorities recovered seven mobile phones used in the alleged extortion, five official police identification cards, screenshots of digital transactions and conversations, and remittance records of the extorted amount during the operation.

The arrested officers face charges including robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and obstruction of justice. They are currently in restrictive custody.