A man who pretended to be a police officer to steal from a businessman’s motor pool in Silang, Cavite was arrested on Feb. 25.

The suspect was identified as alias Jonaldo, a resident of Quezon City.

According to the Silang PNP, the suspect introduced himself as a police officer to a businessman who owned heavy equipment in Sept. 2023. He offered to be the caretaker of the motor pool where the heavy equipment was parked in exchange for a monthly allowance.

The businessman became suspicious when some parts of the heavy equipment started to go missing and the suspect harassed the other staff of the motor pool. He also asked for more money. It turned out that the suspect was just using this scheme to rob the businessman.

The victim sought the help of the police when he confirmed that the suspect was not a real police officer. When Jonaldo was caught, a police uniform and a .45 caliber pistol were found in his bag. The suspect failed to show a PNP ID and the proper documents for his gun.

Jonaldo denied that he impersonated a police officer. He was charged with Usurpation of Authority and illegal possession of firearms.