Fake NBI agent caught protecting illegal vendors

MANILA, Philippines - A vendor was arrested in Manila over the weekend for allegedly claiming to be a confidential agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in order to stop police officers from clearing streets in Binondo of illegal vendors.

According to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut, he and his men were clearing C.M. Recto street of obstructions when Abner Boloto, 29, arrived and tried to stop the police by claiming that he is the leader of vendors in the area.

Yabut noticed a gun tucked in Boloto’s waistband. When Boloto was asked to show a permit to carry a .45 caliber pistol, he failed to show any.

Boloto’s wife, Faida, 30, was also arrested when she tried to make a scene and pull her husband from the hands of police officers who arrested him.

At the police station, Boloto showed an NBI badge and a mission order issued by NBI Bulacan field security and intelligence district office, but the mission order expired last April 23, Yabut said.

Yabut said persons like Boloto who assure illegal vendors of protection are giving the police “headaches” in maintaining peace and order in the streets.                          – Nestor Etolle