Fake cop accosts real cops, is arrested in Pateros

MANILA, Philippines – The Pateros police arrested a man who posed as a colleague and questioned the presence of legitimate law enforcers conducting follow up operations in Barangay Aguho on Thursday.

Arrested was Benirben Barrun, 38, a Masbate native and currently residing in Taguig City, who identified himself as a PO3 Torrente.

FAKE COP – Benirben Barrun, who posed as a police officer, is locked up at the Pateros police station following his arrest Thursday. He earlier accosted a team of legitimate police officers conducting follow up operations. (Photo courtesy of Southern Police District)

The Southern Police District (SPD) said that a team from the Pateros police’s Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) were following up a robbery case along P. Herrera Street when “PO3 Torrente”, clad in a Philippine National Police patrol shirt and bullcap questioned their presence in the area.

When he failed to present valid identification documents, Barrun was immediately arrested.

He is currently locked up at the Pateros Police Station Custodial Facility.

He will be charged with violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority) and 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms or Insignia) of the Revised Penal Code. /gsg