Authorities Arrest Fake Policeman in General Santos City
Authorities in General Santos City arrested a fake policeman at the headquarters of the city police office.
If someone is caught pretending to be a police officer, they can face serious charges depending on the laws of the country or area. One common charge is usurpation of authority or official functions, which applies when someone acts as a public official, like a police officer, without proper authority.
This offense is illegal under laws like Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code in the Philippines and comes with penalties such as imprisonment or fines.
Another common offense is the illegal use of uniforms and insignias, which involves wearing police uniforms, badges, or insignias without proper permission. This is covered under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code and can also result in penalties like imprisonment or fines.
On Monday afternoon (January 13, 2025), the suspect was spotted wearing a police bush coat uniform in the parking area of Camp Fermin Lira Jr.
City Police Director Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. identified the man as “Eddie.” Officers became suspicious when they noticed that his uniform didn’t match the designated attire for that day. Upon questioning, the man admitted that he wasn’t a police officer.
Olaivar revealed that he had purchased the uniform, medals, and insignias from an online store. The suspect was immediately taken into police custody for further investigation.
Authorities filed charges against him for usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniforms and insignias, in accordance with the Revised Penal Code.
The incident emphasizes the ongoing issue of individuals misrepresenting themselves as law enforcement. Police officials reiterated the importance of ensuring that only authorized personnel wear official uniforms and insignias to prevent confusion and maintain public trust.
Law enforcement continues to remind the public to report any suspicious individuals claiming to be police officers. Such acts not only undermine the integrity of the police force but also pose potential risks to public safety.
The authorities emphasizes the consequences of impersonating an officer, ensuring that such violations are taken seriously.