Camp Olivas, Pampanga—A security guard who posed as a police officer was arrested by lawmen for alleged illegal possession of firearm after being flagged down along national highway at Barangay Dolores, Cabangan, Zambales Thursday.
Police identified the suspect as Medel Sobreo De La Cruz, 43, of Davis Street, Olongapo City who introduced himelf as Police Lt. Colonel ‘De La Cruz’ assigned in Olongapo City Police Office .
De La Cruz, police said, was onboard blue Toyota Innova without license plates, when lawmen manning a COVID 19 control point, flagged down the vehicle for inspection.
The suspect quickly introduced himself to the policemen that he is an officer detailed at OCPO and he deserves courtesy.
Policemen on duty at the control point quickly called OCPO and informed that a man claiming to be Lt. Colonel De La Cruz was held at the control point for transporting underage girl.
Police said OCPO denied De La Cruz as an organic member and told the policemen that the suspect is not connected with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
De La Cruz, who donned olive green shirt with police marking, was immediately arrested. The suspect yielded an unlicensed handgun ( caliber .45 pistol loaded with six bullets) when subjected to further check.
Five minors believed to be transported to a beer-house in Zambales were placed under police custody.
Charges for violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority), Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (Unauthorized use of PNP uniform) and RA 11332 are filed against the suspect.
The minors were turned over to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in Zambales for debriefing and counselling.