TWO men who tried to bribe officers of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CID) in Angeles City into releasing a French national wanted by the Interpol were arrested by the CIDG operatives and are facing charges of bribery and corruption of public officials.
A report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Debold M. Sinas identified the arrested suspects as Aaron Christian Bolus, 31, businessman, resident of 13062 Peras Street in Bgy. Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga and his driver Joseph Julius Gonzales,24, of Babo Sacan, Porac.
According to a PNP-CIDG report, the two suspects offered a P1.5 million bribe to officers of the CIDG Angeles City Field Unit in exchange for the release of Frenchman Julien Barbier who was arrested on the basis of a Mission Order signed by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente and an Interpol Red Notice at Speedway, Clarkfield, Pampanga last Friday.
Following the French national’s arrest, the two reportedly went to the office of the Angeles City CIDG in Bgy. Pampang and offered the bribe last Sunday.
Unknown to them, officers in coordination with immigration officials have been watching their movements and immediately placed them under arrest for corruption of public officials.
Recovered during the sting were P1,500,000 in cash and a white Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia with plate no. RLY-168 belonging to Bolus.
“The PNP is committed to help the Interpol bring Barbier to justice. Let this arrest serve as a warning to those who will attempt to help him. We will jail you as well,” said Sinas.
New PNP-CIDG director, Major Gen. Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said that Barbier, 39, was arrested on the strength of an Interpol alert order for ‘drugs/cocaine’ in Paris, France.
