Police authorities in Quezon City nabbed a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who allegedly disguised as a member of Special Action Force (SAF) to extort money from tricycle drivers.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Special Operation Unit arrested Roberto Esperanza, who was in full SAF uniform, in Fairview last August 18, GMA News reported.
The report said authorities seized different uniforms of Philippine National Police, identification cards, insignias, a bull ring, and an unlicensed firearms from the 48-year-old suspect.
Esperanza, who worked in Korea and Japan, admitted that he posed as a senior superintendent to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, but denied allegations that he was extorting money from people.
“Maligaya na akong ganito, nagsusuot ng ganito. Parang masaya kasi hindi ako nakapasok sa pulis n’ung araw,” GMA News quoted Esperenza as saying. “Alam ko na bawal pero hindi ko mapigilan ‘yung pakiramdam ko na makapagsuot ng ganito pero wala akong inagrabyadong tao.”
Chief Insp. Joselito Fidel Brioso said the former OFW may face multiple charges for usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniforms and insignia, which violate Revised Penal Code 177 and 179.
Brioso said charges under the Republic Act No. 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” could also be filed against Esperanza.
Photo credit: Amita Legaspi; GMA News
