A young man who allegedly poses as a Philippine Army (PA) personnel to scam people was arrested by joint military and police forces in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, it was reported Wednesday, Sept. 8.
Christian Dollen, 23, was apprehended by elements of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) and Gingoog City Police in Purok 5A, Barangay Pangasihan last Sunday, Sept. 5.
Dollen allegedly posed as a member of the 58IB to befriend his target victims.
"He would eventually borrow money to them, only to disappear after a few weeks and never return the money borrowed," said Lt. Col Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commanding officer.
Canatoy said Dollen is not a member of the 58th Infantry Battalion nor a Philippine Army personnel.
"He merely claims to be so that he can go about his scamming business," Canatoy bared.
The troops seized from the suspect a unit of caliber .45 pistol, one magazine of ammunition, 47 rounds of live ammunition, a fired cartridge case, and two pieces of 40 mm. live ammunition.
The suspect and the seized items were turned over to the police for proper disposition.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 or Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives were prepared for filing against Dollen.
The 58IB also plans to file a case for usurpation of authority against the suspect.