Fake cop nabbed at checkpoint

MANILA, Philippines - A fake policeman was arrested at a police checkpoint in Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City Wednesday night.

Rodrigo Bernasol, 40, was pulled over for driving a motorcycle without a helmet at a checkpoint at the intersection of A. Bonifacio and Balingasa streets at around 8 p.m., Police Officer 2 Jefferson Sadang said.

Bernasol, who was wearing a police camouflage uniform, introduced himself as a commissioned officer, presenting an identification card of Rodrigo Alegasin, and claimed to be a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1995.

He reportedly “violently resisted” when he was arrested, Sadang said.

Bernasol, who was detained at the Quezon City Police District Station 1, was charged with illegal use of uniform and insignia, usurpation of authority, violating a law on using protective helmets and resistance and disobedience to lawful arrest.