Beware of fake cops prowling near NAIA

Rappler.com

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Beware of fake cops prowling near NAIA
(UPDATED) A reader shares a terrifying experience outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport

(UPDATED) For passengers visiting a new city, their first impression of the place is whatever they see right outside of the airport. It’s a wonderful feeling, the fascination of seeing a new city for the first time. But in our city, the fascination can quickly turn into horror. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is Metro Manila’s only airport, and the country’s busiest, but it’s no secret that NAIA’s track record is far from pristine. 

Rappler has heard all of the horror stories. From the overcharging taxi cabs to the very aggressive panhandlers, and mischevious kids throwing rocks to distract drivers or trick them into coming out of their vehicles to rob them. 

In December 2013, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Ukol Talumpa, his wife, and two others – including an 18-month-old child, were killed at NAIA Terminal 3. Four others were injured. The politically-motivated shooting shook travelers who frequent NAIA’s newest terminal. (READ: Mayor, wife shot dead at NAIA Terminal 3

The following story was sent to us by a Rappler reader who did not want to be identified. She details a frightening experience in the proximity of NAIA after dropping off a relative at the airport. Here is her story, which we have verified to have really come from her:

I want citizens of the Philippines to be aware of what had happened to my parents and I near the airport around 1:00 am. We dropped off a relative and then we were driving back home, headed north, we turned from the domestic airport to go to the Skyway near Resorts World.


Suddenly, a man appeared on his motorcycle. He was wearing all black and claimed to be a police officer. He stopped in front of our car and told us “Hwag kayong aalis dito, nag-swerving kayo!” (Don’t leave here, you guys were swerving.)


Boy, his breath was horrible. We could smell the alcohol. Behind them were 3 other guys hiding, wearing the same thing he was wearing. My mom decided to try to escape and as she attempted to drive off, he pulled a gun. He told us, “Bigay ka ng P100,000 may violation ka!” (Give us P100,000 you have a driving violation.)



My mom screamed and asked him to give her a ticket, but he didn’t even have a ticket book! But he took her license and tried to act like he was writing something down. He asked for P100,000 and after my mom said, “Hindi ka talaga police, ibalik mo yung license ko,” (You’re not really a policeman, return my license) he said, “Kukunin ko yung plate number mo.” (I’m going to take your plate number.)

My dad screamed and asked him to move away so we could leave. He followed us. 

We lost him around the Skyway. There was a police officer at the toll gate. What did he tell us? “Maraming ganyan dito, sir. Mabuti umalis kayo, pwede kayo mag-complain sa Pasay police po, wala kaming magawa.” (There are a lot of those cases around here, sir. Good thing you guys were able to leave, you can complain to the Pasay police. There’s nothing we can do.)

Pasay police told Rappler they have not received reports of fake cops prowling in the vicinity, but took note of the incident and said they would monitor the area. 

How could anyone get away with pretending to be a police officer – without a uniform and ticket book – and even have a gun? – Rappler.com

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