Authorities arrested a man for usurpation of authority and the illegal use of a police uniform and insignia at Camp Fermin G. Lira Jr., Barangay Dadiangas West, General Santos City.
The incident happened at 1:42 PM, prompting an immediate report to the City Tactical Operations Unit. Responding officers spotted the suspect roaming the camp’s parking area, dressed in a Philippine National Police (PNP) bush coat (GOA-A) decorated with various awards and pins, including an IOBC pin, BISOC pin, Bagong Pilipinas pin, AGOS pin, and Public Safety Officers Advance Course pin.
Upon responding to the scene, authorities questioned Nicholas about his credentials and asked for his PNP ID or documents proving he was a bona fide member of the police force. The suspect failed to provide identification and admitted to purchasing the decorative awards online.
Further investigation revealed improper placement of insignias on the uniform and unauthorized decorations, including awards commensurate only to higher-ranking officers. Following the inquiry, the patrol team had reasonable grounds to arrest the suspect. He was apprised of his constitutional rights in a dialect he understood before being taken into custody.
Officers brought Nicholas to the City Health Office for a medical examination and placed him in the male custodial facility of the General Santos City Police Office. They are now preparing charges against him for Usurpation of Authority and Illegal Use of Insignia, which they will file before the prosecutor’s office.
A progress report on the case will follow, per Station Commander PMSg Reynante A. Arga.
