MANILA, Philippines — A 65-year-old man was arrested in Quezon City on Friday for allegedly posing as a police officer and carrying an unregistered firearm.
Pacifico Leoquinco Jr., a resident of Malabon, was spotted harassing jeepney drivers at the intersection of V. Luna Extension and Anonas Road in Barangay Malaya at around 11 a.m., according to Superintendent Tomas Nunez, commander of the Quezon City Police District Station 9.
The suspect, with a handgun tucked in his waistband, confiscated the driver’s licenses of some jeepney drivers for alleged traffic violations.
A witness asked Leoquinco Jr. if he has a mission order for his firearm but the suspect retorted: “Pulis ako, magreklamo ka (I’m a policeman, so file a complaint).”
This prompted the concerned citizen to seek the assistance of policemen who arrived in the area after a few minutes.
Police accosted the suspect after he failed to show documents that indicate he is licensed to carry his firearm, a .45 caliber pistol. He also told the arresting officers he is a ranking military officer.
The suspect is facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and usurpation of authority.