Bogus cop threatens real officer, nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — A fake cop was arrested Sunday for usurpation of authority after he allegedly intervened in a police operation, introduced himself as member of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Agency (IMEG) and threatened a real police officer with criminal and administrative charges.

The suspect was identified as Ruel Abella, resident of Barangay Lutopan, Toledo City. Lt Col. Christopher Rey Natnat, IMEG Visayas Field Unit chief, said Abella intervened during an “Oplan Katok” operation conducted by the members of 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Abella allegedly introduced himself as a police officer assigned at IMEG Visayas and threatened to file criminal and administrative cases against one of the operatives. Natnat said the incident was reported to them prompting an entrapment operation.

According to Natnat, the suspect also dropped names of high-ranking police officials. During his arrest, Abella was found in possession of unregistered firearm and explosive. Also seized from him was a fake IMEG identification card.

“He even has a makeshift ID na may pangalan nya at may logo ng IMEG,” Natnat said.

Natnat said the suspect will be submitted for drug test to determine if he was not into illegal drugs. The suspect is now detained at the CPPO while charges for violation of Republic Act 379 Section 177 or Usurpation of Authority, R.A. 9516 or possession of explosive device and R.A. 10591 illegal possession of firearm are being prepared for filing today. FPL (FREEMAN)