Public warned of fake police group

The National Police Commission warned the public against a pseudo law enforcement group which it said is engaged in illegal activities, particularly extortion.

Napolcom Chairman Jesse Robredo said they have received reports that members of the so-called International Police Commission have stepped up its illegal operations this Christmas season to victimize business establishments and individuals.

According to Robredo, Interpolcom claims it is affiliated with the International Criminal Police Organization based in Lyon, France to perpetrate illegal activities allegedly under the guise of peace and order.

“Interpolcom is engaged in organized illegal activities under disguise and with a scheme of assisting the duly-constituted authorities in the attainment of peace and order and enforcement of the law,“ Robredo said.

The organization is also reportedly presenting a letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is accredited by the Philippine government and the United Nations.

In 1987, Interpolcom submitted a request to then Executive Secretary Catalino Macaraig for the Office of the President’s recognition of their organization and authority to be given to two of its members to negotiate with the UN for any possible financial or budgetary assistance.

The subject letter was referred to Napolcom, and upon investigation it was revealed that Interpolcom was a non-stock, non-profit organization that was recruiting members from various sectors of society and enticing them with salaries, benefits and privileges such as free transportation rides, issuance of badges, identification cards, and grant of military rank upon payment of P500 as membership fee, Robredo said.

Last September, six members of the group were arrested by the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport when they group attempted to apply for temporary pass at the airport allegedly to assist airport authorities in gathering intelligence.

Confiscated from the suspects who were wearing police uniforms were five caliber .45 pistols, none of which were covered by authentic license to carry permits.

Napolcom Vice Chairman Eduardo Escueta said they have already informed their regional offices nationwide of the existence of the group and its nefarious activities.

He added that Napolcom regional directors were also enjoined from accrediting or endorsing any civilian force-multipliers or organizations without the proper recommendation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government or the Department of National Defense.

by Ferdinand Fabella