Public warned vs bogus policemen

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities have warned the public against the modus operandi of two brothers who dupe their victims by posing as policemen and offering fake police stickers for a fee.

Ermita police station chief Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr. issued the warning after the suspects, Regido Salas Jr., 46, and his brother Rene, 39, were able to post bail of P10,000 each the other day.

The brothers were arrested on Friday through the complaint of Pandag, Maguindanao Mayor Zahid Mangudadatu.

According to Mangudadatu, he was having coffee inside the City Estate Tower Hotel casino when he was approached by the brothers who introduced themselves as Col. June Salas and PO3 De los Santos.

The two initially befriended him and when they gained the mayor’s trust, offered two car stickers of the Philippine National Police which they claimed could immune him from any traffic arrest. The stickers cost the mayor P11,000.

When the duo left, Mangudadatu called up his military friends and found out that the suspects were using fictitious names. He immediately informed the casino guards who arrested the two while playing in the slot machines. However, only P3,000 was recovered from the suspects after losing the remainder in the casino.

Anti-crime chief SPO4 Carlos Chan also recovered fake PNP logos with the name and signature of Superintendent June Salas from the two suspects. The two were charged with usurpation of police authority and estafa.

“With the release of the Salas brothers, we fear that they will continue with their nefarious activities,” Hidalgo said. He advised the public to verify the identities of persons introducing themselves as police or military officials and report to the nearest police station if they encounter such usurpers.