SPD arrests man posing as cop, seizes unlicensed gun in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — An illegal firearm was seized by operatives from a 38-year-old truck driver in Pasay City who was pretending to be a police officer, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Monday.

Reports from SPD showed that the driver, identified as a certain “Elmer,” claimed that he was a police officer and attempted to use a Viper .38 caliber pistol loaded with six live bullets.  However, SPD said a 19-year-old student quickly brought this concern to the Pasay City Police Station.

READ: Fake cop with illegal firearms nabbed at Calamba checkpoint 

Police did not indicate where the truck driver attempted to use his firearm.

Eventually, the Pasay City Police Station’s Substation 1 launched a follow-up operation at Dominga St., Barangay 45 of Pasay City on Sunday night, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

“The arrest was facilitated with the assistance of a witness, alias Don, a 19-year-old student, who bravely stepped forward during the incident. Recovered from the suspect was one Viper caliber .38 super pistol loaded with six live ammunition, an unlicensed firearm in his possession,” SPD said.

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“Initial investigation revealed that alias Elmer impersonated a police officer, using this guise to wield the firearm in question. The swift response from Substation 1, Pasay CPS, following a report from Brgy. Kagawad Erwin Liro.  Witnesses’ account detailed the suspect’s attempt to use the firearm, thwarted by the witness’ courage to disarm alias Elmer,” it added.

According to SPD, they were able to track down the suspect using closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage. Elmer is currently detained at Substation 1, and will face complaints for violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Authority) and of sections of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.