25/08/2026
PNP OPS BUST MAN POSING AS ARMY MEMBER, SEIZES .45 PISTOL
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a 34-year-old man who allegedly posed as a Philippine Army member and was found carrying a .45-caliber pistol during a PNP operation in Las Piñas City on August 24, 2026.
Southern Police District personnel from the CAA Sub-Station conducted the operation at a resto bar along J. Aguilar Avenue, Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos, where the suspect, identified only as alias “Noe,” allegedly introduced himself as a Philippine Army member and disclosed that he was carrying a firearm inside his belt bag.
During verification, the suspect failed to present a valid Philippine Army identification card. He instead produced a License to Own and Possess Fi****ms, Firearm Registration, and Permit to Carry Fi****ms Outside Residence.
Police confiscated a .45-caliber pistol, five magazines, 49 rounds of live ammunition, and a black belt bag.
After undergoing a medical examination, the suspect and the seized items were turned over to the Station Investigation and Detection Management Section for proper custody and disposition. Criminal complaints for Usurpation of Authority and violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10591 are being prepared for filing before the Las Piñas City Prosecutor’s Office.
The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda by strengthening police operations and accountability, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations in enforcing fi****ms laws and addressing false claims of government authority.
PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that individuals who falsely invoke government authority will not be allowed to use such claims to evade scrutiny or undermine public safety.
“Hindi puwedeng gamitin ang pangalan ng Philippine Army para magmukhang lehitimo o makaiwas sa beripikasyon ng mga pulis. Kapag may paglabag, haharap ang sinumang sangkot sa kaukulang proseso ng batas,” the PNP Chief said.
PGEN Nartatez also emphasized that fi****ms must be handled within the limits of the law and that police operations will remain focused on identifying circumstances that may pose risks to the community.
“Possessing firearm documents does not permit anyone to assume an identity that does not belong to them. Our personnel will remain vigilant in enforcing fi****ms laws and addressing conduct that threatens public security,” he added.
The arrest highlights the PNP’s firm enforcement of laws against the unauthorized exercise of public authority and violations involving fi****ms. Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP strengthens its efforts to protect communities and uphold the rule of law through “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
