Fake cop, alleged swindler nabbed in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - A man who tried to elude arrest by posing as a police officer while being arrested by Makati police officers for illegal drug possession has found himself in deeper trouble after his alleged link to a swindling operation was exposed during investigation.

Chief Inspector Gaylord Tamayo, deputy chief of the Makati Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID), said suspect Carlo Vasquez was nabbed by officers at about 2 p.m. last Saturday along Almario Street in Barangay Tejeros.

Tamayo said that as the officers approached Vasquez, he introduced himself as a police officer and even presented a Philippine National Police identification card.

However, the card turned out to be forged and Vasquez was then searched. During the search, police found a plastic sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu on him.

Later at the office of the Station Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group (SAID-SOTG), investigators learned that Vasquez was also allegedly involved in a swindling operation.

According to Tamayo, while Vasquez was being investigated at the SAID-SOTG office, at least 10 complainants who have heard of the arrest appeared.

The complainants claimed that Vasquez posted an online advertisement offering his services to facilitate the franchising of "UV Express” public utility vehicles with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Tamayo said that according to the complainants, they paid Vasquez P100,000 each for his help in securing franchises for their public utility vehicles. However, Vasquez allegedly disappeared after receiving their payments.

According to Tamayo, Vasquez could have collected at least P1.8 million from his alleged victims.

Tamayo said the Makati CID is now coordinating with the Makati Police Investigation Section to look deeper into Vasquez's alleged swindling activity.

Vasquez is now detained at the CID office after charges of illegal drug possession and usurpation of authority have been filed against him before Makati City Prosecutors Office.