Bogus cop nabbed for not wearing helmet, carrying unlicensed gun

A motorcycle-riding man was supposed to be just flagged down for not wearing a helmet but his violation took another turn after he introduced himself as a policeman.

Members of Las Piñas police community precinct 1 (PCP-1) were conducting Oplan Sita when Archimedes Martinez, 46, passed by their checkpoint on Padre Diego Cera Avenue in Barangay Manuyo Dos around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Case investigator SPO1 Gilbert Curaza said that instead of a helmet, Martinez was wearing a police field cap.

When he was accosted, Martinez introduced himself as a “police officer” of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1996.

Curaza said he also flashed his PNP ID and his firearms license and permit to carry cards. He claimed he was a member of the Highway Patrol Group as was shown in the sticker of his pink Mio motorcycle without a plate number.

When asked to open up his sling bag as standard procedure, police found a 9-mm Luger Uzi submaxhine gun with serial no. 133657 loaded with 16 ammunition.

Martinez, however, could not show the license for his firearm and was brought to Las Piñas police station for questioning.

The suspect admitted to Curaza that he was a utility man residing in Barangay Pamplona Tres, and not a policeman assigned at HPG. His ID cards were also fake and he said they were made in Recto, Manila.

Curaza said PCP-1 personnel had previously seen Martinez wearing Type C police uniform, while driving without helmet.

Martinez remains in Las Piñas police detention cell as of Tuesday evening.

Aside from breaking the traffic rule on not wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle, he would be charged with violation of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and usurpation of authority. /je