Fake policewoman caught is a kidnapper
CAMP BGEN VICENTE P. LIM, Calamba City: A 36-year-old female vendor will be facing charges for violation of Article 117 or usurpation of authority and Article 179 or illegal use of uniforms or insignia of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act (RA) 3815, after she was arrested by members of Talisay Police while wearing a Philippine National Police (PNP) uniform.
Vanessa Teope Mago, a native of Naga City Bicol, and currently residing at Barangay San Isidro Sur, Sto. Tomas, Batangas was arrested during a checkpoint operation along Barangay Tumaway, Talisay, Batangas, on Monday, November 21.
The suspect was riding a motorcycle when she was flagged down by officers manning the checkpoint after seeing that she was wearing an olive drab shirt with PULIS markings, PNP athletic jogging pants and athletic shoes. When asked for identification, the suspect failed to show proof that she is a legitimate member of the PNP.
Upon verification of the Talisay Municipal Police Station (MPS), Mago was found to have a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (obstruction of justice) issued by Judge Pedro M. Redoña, presiding judge of RTC Branch 63, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.
The warrant of arrest was served by Talisay MPS together with the Regional Intelligence Division 4A-Regional Intelligence Team Batangas; Calabanga MPS, Camarines Sur; PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group Luzon Field Unit 4A; and PNP Maritime Monitoring Post, Talisay, Batangas.
PRO-4A Regional Director BGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms by civilians falls under Articles 177 and 179 of the Revised Penal Code (RA 3815), which penalizes “any person who, under the pretense of official position, shall perform any act about any person in authority or public officer, without being lawfully entitled to do so” and “any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress about an office not held by such person or to a class or persons of which he or she is not a member.”
“We shall reinforce our checkpoint operations and police visibility to prevent similar incidents that would facilitate the commission of crimes by these persons illegally wearing AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP uniforms. Additionally, we shall also flag down vehicles sporting PNP markings to deter private individuals and companies from misusing PNP logos like the incident involving a luxury vehicle seen in Makati that recently went viral,” Nartatez said.
Meanwhile, to address the unauthorized use of PNP uniforms and insignia, PRO-Calabarzon has been regularly conducting “Tamang Bihis” inspection of all personnel from the regional headquarters down to the lower units and the inventory of old and wornout PNP uniforms for proper disposal. The Regional Logistics and Research Development Division also conducts regular inspections of the different providers/stores of PNP uniforms and accouterments.
“Apart from these activities, PRO-Calabarzon has been conducting information drives to promote community awareness on the illegal use, manufacture, selling, and distribution of PNP and military uniforms and insignias,” Nartatez added.