Two linked to viral Colon confrontation arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Two men identified by police in connection with a confrontation along Colon Street, one of whom allegedly posed as a police officer, were arrested by Cebu City police in separate operations on August 12.

Authorities said one was apprehended for possession of suspected shabu and the other for possession of a .22-caliber revolver.

Police Station 3 (PS3) personnel of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) made the arrests in separate incidents in barangays Tejero and Sto. Niño.

The first suspect was arrested in the early hours in Barangay Tejero for alleged violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police said the suspect was found with around 0.10 grams of suspected shabu, valued at an estimated P680 based on the Standard Drug Price Value.

Meanwhile, the second suspect was arrested later that day after PS3 personnel responded to a report of an armed individual along Osmeña Boulevard in Barangay Sto. Niño.

Police recovered a .22-caliber snub-nose revolver from the suspect, who was subsequently arrested for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Both suspects were brought to PS3 and remained in police custody pending further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.

Authorities later linked the arrests to the August 11 Colon incident, saying follow-up investigation identified the suspects as the same individuals seen in the confrontation.

The incident gained attention after a video of the confrontation with a private citizen circulated online. In the video, one of the men allegedly claimed to be a police officer.

Police Station 5 later verified that neither of the two is a member of the Philippine National Police.

The arrests were made under the supervision of PCapt. Raymart Rabanes, officer-in-charge of PS3.

CCPO Acting City Director PCOL Ricky Sumalde said the arrests underscore the importance of follow-up investigation and coordination among police units.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or through official CCPO channels. — /MRM (FREEMAN)