MANILA, Philippines – A former seafarer was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police official in Sampaloc, Manila Thursday.
The suspect, Randy Ganal, 40, was wearing a police blue shirt with the shoulder insignia of a superintendent (colonel in the military) when he was accosted by police officers patrolling the area following reports of car theft and carjacking done by persons in police uniform, according to Manila Police District intelligence chief Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr.
He said Ganal showed a badge and a Philippine National Police identification card, which was later verified to be fakes. Investigators also found two more fake PNP identification cards – one stating his rank as chief inspector and the other as lieutenant.
Fojas said while each police officer has a unique PNP badge number, Ganal’s badge number was his birthdate.
There were reports that the suspect was frequently seen in complete police uniform and allegedly extorting money from legitimate businessmen, according to Fojas.
“Our continuous profiling of suspected criminals through our network of informants finally paid off with the arrest of the suspect. This breed of person gives the police a bad image,” he said.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered the filing of charges against Ganal, who was presented to the mayor at the city hall yesterday. Ganal repeatedly asked Lim for forgiveness, but Lim said it was because of persons like Ganal that the police have a negative image.
Fojas said he will present the suspect before carjacking and hijacking victims for possible identification, and charges of usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniform or insignia will be initially filed against him.
– Sandy Araneta, Nestor Etolle