Seafarer posing as a cop arrested for robbery, possession of grenade in Taguig

Bogus cop arrested for robbery, possession of grenade in Taguig
Jonathan Hicap February 17, 2022 https://mb.com.ph/2022/02/17/bogus-cop-arrested-for-robbery-possession-o...

A seafarer posing as a cop was arrested by police after robbing three people in Taguig City on Thursday, Feb. 17.

Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the suspect, identified as Jayson Landrito, 23, of Barangay Palingon, Taguig, was also found in possession of a grenade.

According to the Taguig police, victims Dave Vertucio, 21, and two teenage girls were jogging along C-6 Road in Barangay Napindan at about 7 a.m. when Landrito on board a motorcycle blocked their way.

He told them he is a police officer and showed them his picture in uniform with a long firearm. Landrito told them there was an ongoing anti-illegal drugs operation and he was looking for the people who were involved. He then took the cell phones of the victims.

The victims asked the help of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Taguig Police Substation 5, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

When the police were verifying the papers of the suspect’s motorcycle, they found a grenade in the compartment.

The police confiscated the motorcycle, the grenade, and one cell phone. They also recovered from the suspect the victims’ cell phones estimated to be worth P23,000.

Landrito is facing charges for robbery, illegal possession of an explosive, violation of the Omnibus Election Code, and for posing as a police officer.

“The timely response of our lawmen shows the reinvigorated effort in the anti-criminality campaign when it comes to safeguarding the public and for that, we may have prevented the possibility of using that material for his criminal activity,” said Macaraeg.