Airport cops disarm 6 with fake SWAT jackets, ID cards

Airport police arrested last Wednesday five armed men and a woman who were wearing fake SWAT uniforms and carrying military IDs.

Police arrested the group after they failed to present documents allowing them to carry firearms.

One of those arrested, Joeribe Comendador, 38, of Lapu-Lapu City, told Cebu Daily News that he and the others belong to the International Police Commission (Interpolcom), a group registered in California, USA, and recognized by the Philippine government.

He said they were there to ask for IDs and passes to enter the airport so that they could meet and escort their organization’s head who planned to visit Cebu.

The claims for the group are still being verified.

Police said they would file charges of illegal possession of firearms, illegal use of uniform, insignia and usurpation of authority.

Comendador said the Interpolcom was a nongovernment organization (NGO) that assists governments in implementing peace and order.

The others arrested were Edwin Adoracion, 45; Asher Picondo, 39; Genaro Estoque, 40; Tirso Mag-aso, 39; all of Lapu-Lapu City and Julia dela Cruz, 40, of barangay Talamban, Cebu City. Comendador said they all carry the rank of master sergeant. They are now detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

Insp. Gilbert Tagayon, deputy of 7th Philippine Civil Aviation Security (7th PCAS), said even if their claim as a police auxiliary group would be verified, the members aren’t authorized to wear a military uniform.

The group arrived at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Mactan Cebu International Airport to ask for identification cards and access passes for the airport. The six were dressed in military camouflage uniforms and carried handguns but couldn’t show permits to carry the weapons or gun licenses.

The group also claimed to have an appointment with MCIA general manager Nigel Paul Villarete. When they were frisked, airport police discovered .45-caliber pistols with live ammunition.

Airport police turned over the firearms at the Regional Trial Court yesterday afternoon.

Comendador said his grup Interpolcom had been operating for the past 10 years and had joined Lapu-Lapu City police in checkpoints since the time of Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el. He said they were volunteers and held other jobs.