7 civilians posing as police, military personnel nabbed in Marawi

Seven civilians, including two women, posing as police and military personnel were arrested at a checkpoint in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, a belated police report disclosed Thursday.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police chief, identified the suspects as Ariel Bejaan, 45, of Wahigan, Pagalungan, Cagayan de Oro; Pacito Villanueva, 45, of Solon, Sumilao, Bukidnon; Juniper Alestre, 52, of Bagontas, Valencia, Bukidnon; Bienvenido Sepe, 68, of Poblacion, Cabacan, Cotabato City; Florante Alejandrino, 38, Puerto, Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City; Rufina Guyatao, 53, of Bagong Taas, Valencia, Bukidnon; and Elsie Lantong, 48, of Sumilao, Bukidnon. 

He said the suspects were intercepted by military personnel led by Capt. John Rey Acasio of 2nd Provisional Company while traversing the highway of Barangay Emie Punud from Iligan City to Marawi City on July 25.

The seven were onboard a Toyota Fortuner driven by Leo Eliseo, 57, of Bagong Taas, Valencia, Bukidnon.

Bejaan, Alejandrino, and Alestre presented Bangsamoro Republic-Moro National Liberation Front identification cards and claimed that they were set to meet with United Nations member Capt. James Gothrie.

Some of the suspects were wearing Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines uniforms with different patches.

Authorities recovered assorted documents, assorted ID cards, bank withdrawal slips, three pay-to-cash checks, assorted 1x1 and 2x2 pictures, cellular phones, and uniforms and combat boots.

Charges of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code or the usurpation of authority have been filed against the suspects. — MDM/KVD, GMA News