Cop accused of jeepney driver's murder arrested

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has welcomed the arrest of a police officer accused of murdering a jeepney driver and allegedly collecting protection money from public utility vehicle operators in Muntinlupa City.

Police Staff Sgt. Edwin Figueroa y Saunar, formerly assigned to the Philippine National Police's Regional Internal Affairs Service in Metro Manila, was arrested on 19 October through a murder warrant issued by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204.

The case involves the killing of jeepney driver Michael Ferrer on 7 June 2026 at Katihan Bridge in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City.

Figueroa is also facing administrative complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer before NAPOLCOM.

The complaints were brought by Ferrer's family and jeepney drivers, accompanied by transport group Manibela president Mar Valbuena.

According to NAPOLCOM, its investigation identified Figueroa as a key figure in an alleged extortion scheme involving the collection of butaw, or protection fees, from jeepney drivers for every trip.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Calinisan commended the Muntinlupa police for the arrest.

“Tapos na ang maliligayang araw ni Figueroa. We salute the Muntinlupa Police for this important arrest. Heto ay para sa lahat ng jeepney driver na biktima ng kotong. Tuloy tuloy pa din ang kaso laban kay Figueroa sa NAPOLCOM bukod pa doon sa kasong kriminal nya sa korte,” Calinisan said.

He said police personnel involved in serving the arrest warrant would receive commendations.

Calinisan emphasized that the administrative proceedings against Figueroa would continue separately from the murder case pending before the court.

The arrest, he said, underscores efforts to hold police personnel accountable for alleged wrongdoing.