NBI nabs fake Malacañang official

MANILA, Philippines — A man allegedly posing as deputy executive secretary under the Office of the President was arrested while attending a convention in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya on Friday.

The National Bureau of Investigation filed cases against Omar Moreno for usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code before the Nueva Vizcaya prosecutor’s office, according to NBI director Jaime Santiago.

Santiago said Moreno has been falsely representing himself as a Malacañang official, particularly as deputy executive secretary for legal affairs.

The NBI verified with the Palace, which stated that Moreno is not connected with the Office of the President.

Acting on the information, agents conducted an entrapment operation against Moreno at around 10:30 a.m. while attending the 1st Gaddang IPS Congress at the Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center in Bayombong where he was one of the resource persons.

Undercover agents arrived in the area and discreetly approached Moreno. During their conversation, the suspect introduced himself as a Malacañang official. Moreno went on to claim he can influence applications at the Office of the President, adding that he is connected with presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos as well as Partido Federal ng Pilipinas secretary general Thompson Lantion.

After confirming his illegal activity, NBI agents apprehended Moreno. Seized from him were a name plate bearing his fake job title, a driver’s license and an identification card.