Fake Philippine Army Major nabbed

MANILA, Philippines—Police operatives on Friday arrested a man claiming to be a Philippine Army Major who has been selling fake mission orders to civilians wanting to be intelligence officers.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized guns and fake military documents when it raided the house of Danilo Datu, 47, in Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal.

CIDG chief Dir. Benjamin Magalong confirmed that Datu is not in any way affiliated with the military.

The suspect was arrested at his home following the issuance of a search warrant by executive judge Cynthia Marino-Ricablanca of the Regional Trial Court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

CIDG Metro Manila head Supt. Danilo Macerin said Datu has been introducing himself as a Major of the 403rd Community Defense Group, 4th Regional Community Defense Group.

Macerin said the suspect demanded P7,500 from his victims applying for a mission order to become an intelligence officer of the Philippine Army.

The CIDG swooped down on Datu’s safehouse in Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose, at around 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

Recovered from Datu were fake mission orders, memorandum receipts and intelligence IDs.

Also seized were three loaded .38-caliber revolvers, an improvised shotgun and a loaded .45-caliber magazine.

Chief Insp. Arnold Ibay said the suspect has been engaged in the illegal activity for at least two years.