Seller of face masks masquerades as fireman, nabbed at checkpoint

Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday arrested a face shield seller that pretended he was as a fireman to evade quarantine rules.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” the male was aboard a black SUV going inside Metro Manila when he was approached by the PNP-HPG at their checkpoint in NLEX.

Konsulyano Padilla introduced himself as a member of the Bureau and Fire Protection (BFP) who was monitoring the area to conduct an inspection.

Upon verification, however, authorities found that Padilla was not a real fireman.

“Nakauniporme siya ng pang-itaas at prinesent niya ang kanyang ID ng Bureau of Fire,” PNP-HPG Commander Police Captain Erwin Casil said.

[He’s wearing the uniform and he presented to us the ID of the BFP.]

“Na obserbahan namin na malabo at mayroon siyang binura doon sa designated ID na dapat namin makita,” he added.

[We observed that it’s blurry and he also removed something from the designated ID that we were supposed to see.]

Authorities found boxes of face masks and face shields on the back of the SUV.

Padilla has yet to issue a comment. He has undergone inquest proceedings.

However, the PNP-HPG said Padilla has admitted that he is a supplier of face masks who pretends to be a part of the BFP to enter various areas.

“Ito po ‘yung paraan pa ra sa ganoon hindi na daw siya nasisita sa checkpoint.  Nasa 20 kahon so almost P200,000 po siguro ‘yung laman nito,” Casil said.

[This was his technique so he would not be scolded at checkpoints. There are around 20 boxes so there may be almost P200,000 contents inside.]

Padilla has been charged with usurpation of authority and quarantine violation. --Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News