SUBIC, Zambales – A man who introduced himself as a police officer at a checkpoint here and sped off after being asked for identification documents was arrested in nearby Cabangan town Tuesday morning.
Report from the Cabangan police identified the poseur as Medel de la Cruz, 43, of Olongapo City.
Dela Cruz was driving a blue Toyota Innova when he was flagged down at a checkpoint in Barangay Sto. Tomas here manned by personnel of the provincial mobile force company.
The report said De la Cruz was wearing an olive–green t-shirt with “PULIS” prints and introduced himself as “Police Lt. Col. Dela Cruz” but suspect failed to present any identification document and instead he sped northbound.
A chase ensued and the suspect was caught in Barangay Dolores, Cabangan. With the suspect were his passengers identified as Marivic Hinajosa, Julius Arabejo, Charles John Hinajosa, and five minors. Confiscated from him was one unlicensed para ordnance .45 pistol loaded with six live ammunitions.
The suspect faces charges for violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority), Article 179 (Unauthorized Used of PNP Uniform) of the Revised Penal Code, RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition) and RA 11332 (Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases).
