Two men who allegedly impersonated Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido for their scam operations have been arrested by joint military and police units in Arayat, Pampanga, it was disclosed on Tuesday, March 4.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, identified the suspects as Antonio Oreño Cerbito and Ariel Oreño, who were tagged as the alleged masterminds of an organized scamming group that targeted government suppliers.
They were collared by elements of the PA and Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Mapalad last Feb. 25.
According to Dema-ala, the suspects were sending fraudulent messages demanding “representation fees” from project holders and suppliers using social media accounts that impersonated Galido.
“The arrest of these suspects underscores the Army’s zero tolerance for fraud, especially schemes that gravely undermine the integrity of our organization,” Dema-ala said.
The suspects were placed under the custody of PNP-CIDG. They are facing multiple cases which include usurpation of authority, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in relation to the Omnibus Election Code (gun ban), and possession of illegal drugs, the Army said.
Meanwhile, the Army clarified that nobody in the organization, including its commanding general, may demand any form of solicitation and/or monetary requirements for any of its transactions.
It said it also does not accept payment of any kind from its applicants and aspiring soldiers during the recruitment process.
“Regardless of rank, any Army personnel who falls victim to impersonation can seek the assistance of our investigators. May this also serve as a stern warning to all scammers and impersonators who will attempt to do the same,” Dema-ala said.
Further, Dema-ala also encouraged the public to validate the identities of those who would be introducing themselves as part of the Army and demand any form of payment so as not to become victims of scamming and extortion. (Martin Sadongdong)
