A former traffic enforcer who allegedly posed as a police officer and extorted money from a motorist was arrested in an entrapment operation on Congressional Avenue in Quezon City on Monday night, June 15.
Police said the suspect flagged down the victim, a Philcom employee, while his car was parked along the highway and accused him of traffic violations.
The suspect then allegedly introduced himself as a police officer, showed a firearm to intimidate the motorist, and demanded payment in exchange for settling the supposed case.
When the victim refused, he was allegedly brought to a nearby park instead of a police station and forced to hand over cash.
The incident was later reported to the Project 6 Police Station (PS-15), which immediately launched an entrapment operation.
At around 9:30 p.m., operatives arrested the suspect after he accepted the marked money from the complainant.
Recovered were the marked money, a Glock 17 replica airsoft pistol, and a cellular phone believed to have been used in the scheme.
The suspect is facing charges of robbery, usurpation of authority, and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
He is now under police custody pending inquest proceedings.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) warned the public against individuals who impersonate law enforcers to extort money from motorists.