Man posing as CIDG cop arrested in Baguio City

MANILA, Philippines — A man allegedly posing as an operative of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was arrested in an entrapment operation in Baguio City on Monday.

Police identified the suspect as Crisbby Dela Cruz, 33, who allegedly introduced himself as Lieutenant Beswilan of the CIDG to a businesswoman who owns a bar.

The CIDG said Dela Cruz allegedly claimed that the police had monitored drug use and illegal drug transaction inside the bar and demanded cash worth P3,500 to prevent a police raid or be closed for business.

Dela Cruz also allegedly promised the owner of the bar that the police will not file charges against her if she pays the amount.

The complainant did not yield to the suspect’s demand and instead reported the incident to authorities, prompting agents of the CIDG and the Baguio City Police Station 7 to launch an entrapment operation at around 1 p.m.

Upon verification, the police also found that there is no Lieutenant Beswilan in the list of CIDG personnel in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Confiscated from the suspect was cash worth P3,500 and a cellphone, according to police.

The suspect will face charges for robbery extortion and usurpation of authority. He was brought to the CIDG in Baguio City, police said. /ee