Vlogger who allegedly used police uniform arrested in Pasay —NAPOLCOM

Vlogger Norman Mangusin, also known as Francis Leo Marcos, was arrested by the Philippine National Police in a hotel in Pasay City, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said on Tuesday.

In a message to reporters, NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) implemented the warrant.

“I confirm that the PNP-CIDG-NCR just arrested Mangusin in (a hotel) by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 294 of Parañaque,” he said.

“Also present were the Pasay City Police and operatives from the NAPOLCOM [Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service]. Tagumpay po ito ng hustisya sa Pilipinas. Crime does not pay. I will visit Mangusin later when he arrives in CIDG,” he added.

(Also present were the Pasay City Police and operatives from the NAPOLCOM Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service. This is a victory for justice in the Philippines. Crime does not pay. I will visit Mangusin later when he arrives in CIDG.)

Mangusin is facing 12 counts of unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

A bail of P120,000 was recommended.

Calinisan added that the arrest also stemmed from concerns on Mangusin’s alleged unauthorized use of a police uniform, as well as the reported use of multiple names, passports, and birth certificates. 

Authorities also flagged the presence of unauthorized security personnel linked to him, according to Calinisan.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are requested to conduct document verification amid information that certain records may have been fraudulently obtained.

On February 17, the CIDG said its unit is investigating Mangusin over a viral photo of him donning a police uniform. 

The PNP earlier called out Mangusin and raised the possibility of filing raps for “usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniforms or insignia.” NAPOLCOM supported the PNP probe into Mangusin.

This stemmed from a photo circulating online showing Mangusin in a “ceremonial blue” police uniform. 

Mangusin, in an earlier statement, claimed that the photo had been digitally edited, and leaked online by his detractors.—AOL,GMA Integrated News