Fake uniform, lack of documents give MMDA impostor away

Reynante Pascasio —QCPD PHOTO

A 40-year-old man posing as a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcer was taken into police custody after he failed to present proof he was with the agency.

Despite being in an MMDA traffic enforcer’s uniform, Reynante Pascasio’s disguise, which he used to extort money from motorists, quickly fell apart.

This was after he was approached by Quezon City policemen on Monday and failed to prove that he was a “bonafide member of the MMDA.”

Operatives from Station 11 arrested Pascasio, who was also charged by the MMDA on Monday, with usurpation of authority, illegal use of uniform and insignia, and the unlawful use of sirens, bells, horns and other signaling or flashing devices on motor vehicles.

Authorities tipped off

A police report said the suspect was arrested on Araneta Avenue corner Palanza Street, Barangay Santol, after authorities received tips about his extortion activities in that area.

Pascasio was “parked in a dimly lighted area and apparently waiting for his prey,” the report added.

His motorcycle, which bore the plate number 7968 XT, also had blinkers that were authorized to be used only by government-issued vehicles, according to MMDA traffic operations officer Elpidio Tañeca.

Although the suspect’s uniform closely resembled that of verified MMDA enforcers, Tañeca added that there were some telling differences.

“Our enforcer’s uniform doesn’t bear the flag and the name cloth should bear his initials,” he said.