Authorities knew of bogus Interpol group since May

CEBU, Philippines - The arrest of five men and a woman who claimed to be agents of the International Police Commission during the entrapment operation at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA) last Wednesday afternoon was a result of more than three months of intelligence work.

The group’s modus operandi was uncovered sometime last May yet, The FREEMAN learned yesterday.

Col. Frank Dalawampu, Chief for Visayas of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime-Visayas Field Office, revealed that they were already aware of the activities of the group sometimes in May this year.

Dalawampu said that he was informed by Retired Lt. Col. Eleazar Lumbab, Chief Security Officer of the MCIAA, that persons who identified themselves as members of the group INFOLCOM visited their office and asked for airport temporary access pass.

According to Dalawampu, he verified with the central office of the International Police-National Central Bureau to determine if the group calling themselves as International Police Commission is recognized by their office.

Dalawampu said he was informed that the group had no authority and is not recognized by their central office in Manila.

After learning about this, Dalawampu said his office arranged and initiated a meeting with other law enforcement agencies in Cebu and Lumbab and discussed plans to arrest the suspects.

The group was advised to visit the Mactan airport for the processing of their papers for temporary pass, not knowing that the police are ready to arrest them.

When they showed up at the airport and asked for their temporary access passes, airport authorities asked them to present documents to prove that they are allowed to carry firearms.

They failed to present any. Those arrested were Joeribe Commendador, Julia Etorma, Edwin Adolacion, Genaro Estoque, Tirso Peñaflor and Picondo Asotigue.

Etorma, Estoque, Adolacion and Peñaflor were wearing black uniforms with INTERPOLCOM patches on them.

The group claimed that they asked for the passes at the airport so they can assist airport authorities in intelligence gathering.

But Dalawampu questioned their motives because they are not duly recognized.

Airport police confiscated five .45 pistols with magazines and ammunitions. Also confiscated from them were fictitious documents and INTERPOL identification cards. They also failed to present documents to allow them to carry firearms outside their residence.

Dalawampu, on the other hand, said the public should be vigilant against those pretending to be agents of INTERPOL.

He said his office is closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies here and abroad on cases involving foreigners. — (FREEMAN)