August 5, 2011
Two men introducing themselves as NBI agents and selling fake NBI identification cards were
nabbed by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in an
entrapment in Zamboanga City last week.
NBI Director Magtanggol B. Gatdula identified the suspects as:
EDUARDO ROQUE BAUTISTA, a
resident of No. 480, Tarcan, Baliuag, Bulacan; and
JIMMY MASANGCAY ZABALA, of
Putik Hi-way, Zamboanga City.
Investigation by the Western Mindanao Regional Office (WEMRO) headed
by Atty. Manuel A. Almendares disclosed that Federico Villar and Samuel S.
Julio, both employees of the
Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO), a local provider of
electricity in the said province, went to the NBI office in Zamboanga City
to seek NBI investigative assistance regarding the two suspects, Zabala and
Bautista.
It was learned that Zabala and Bautista introduced themselves as NBI
agents. Believing they were NBI agents, complainants detailed the suspects with their
office to conduct investigation regarding pilferage and other internal
concerns of the office. They were even provided furnished quarters during their stay with the company.
When the suspects started
selling fake identification cards, badges, permits to carry firearms and
mission orders for P6,500.00 to unsuspecting employees of ZAMCELCO,
complainants began to doubt the real identification of the two.
On August 2, 2011, upon receipt of the complaint, NBI agents went to
ZAMCELCO, Putik, Zamboanga City to validate the veracity of the report. Upon arrival, they saw Zabala in the act of performing the duties of
an agent. They immediately
arrested him while Zabala was nabbed at the Lavina Hotel, Gov. Alvarez Ave., Zamboanga City.
Charges for violation of Art. 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of authority, rank, title and improper use of names, uniforms and insignia) and Art. 315 in relation to Art. 172 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended (Estafa thru Falsification) were filed against the suspects before the Zamboanga City Prosecutor’s Office.
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