2 fake cops target security guards

MANILA, Philippines - Two men, arrested in Pasig City Thursday for not wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle, were identified as fake police officers who rob security guards, an official said yesterday.

Redentor Cuntapay, 45; and Rodolf Manalo, 32, allegedly tried to flee when police officers flagged them down in Barangay Santolan at around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Senior Police Officer 1 Randy Aurella said.

Police officers confiscated an order from the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agences (SOSIA) authorizing them to conduct security guard inspections, police identification cards, an ID card from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, four firearm licenses and a cap with PNP markings.

Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza, Pasig City police chief, said they are coordinating with SOSIA amid reports that Cuntapay and Manalo were behind 21 robberies targeting security guards.

“Their modus operandi is to identify themselves as policemen from SOSIA out to conduct field inspections of security guards. When given a chance they would disarm the security guards and rob them of their personal belongings,” Rariza said in an interview.