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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Taxi driver posing as cop nabbed in Pasay for illegal possession of grenade, replica gun

Taxi driver posing as cop nabbed in Pasay for illegal possession of grenade, replica gun

Published Feb 27, 2026 01:16 pm
The recovered taxi used by the suspect in robbing his victims (Photo from Pasay City Police)
The recovered taxi used by the suspect in robbing his victims (Photo from Pasay City Police)
A taxi driver who allegedly posed as a police officer and robbed his passengers by demanding an exorbitant fare was arrested in Pasay City on Feb. 26.
Col. Joselito De Sesto, chief of the Pasay City Police, identified the suspect as Ben, 39, a resident of Valenzuela City. He was arrested along F.B. Harrison Street in Barangay 13, Pasay City.
De Sesto said the suspect’s white taxi bearing plate number UBV466 was spotted parked in the area by members of the Pasay City Police Substation 1. The vehicle had been linked to a robbery incident involving two students last Feb. 5.
He said Substation 1 operatives conducted monitoring and follow-up operations after issuing a flash alarm for the suspect, who was the subject of a complaint filed by the two students.
According to the victims’ report, they boarded the taxi driven by Ben in Manila en route to Pasay. During the trip, the suspect allegedly introduced himself as a police officer, threatened them with a gun, and demanded P6,000 in taxi fare.
He reportedly required the amount to be transferred through a digital wallet before allowing them to alight near a terminal.
De Sesto said that during the arrest, operatives recovered a hand grenade and a replica handgun tucked into the suspect’s waistline.
The suspect is currently detained at the Pasay City Police custodial facility and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and robbery.

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