CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A man who allegedly posed as a survivor of the recent building collapse in Angeles City was arrested after police officers assigned to secure the incident site intervened in a disturbance and uncovered a possible falsified identification card during a follow-up investigation on Friday (May 29).
The incident occurred at the command post established near the collapsed building along Oak and Teodoro Streets in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, where police personnel have been helping maintain order, manage crowds, and ensure the safety of affected families and responders as search, rescue, and recovery efforts continue.
Investigation revealed that a construction site timekeeper identified the suspect as the individual seen in a viral video receiving financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after allegedly misrepresenting himself as one of the survivors of the tragedy.
The confrontation took place while families of missing and unrecovered victims were gathered at the site, anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones. Upon learning of the alleged deception, emotions ran high among those present.
Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, police personnel immediately stepped in to calm those involved, prevent the incident from escalating, and preserve order at the area.
The suspect and the witness were subsequently invited to the police station for proper verification and investigation.
During the inquiry, the suspect presented a driver’s license to prove his identity. However, investigators noted apparent irregularities in the document, prompting further verification. A confirmation request has already been forwarded to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), while charges for Falsification of public documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code are being readied against the suspect.
PRO3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez commended the responding officers for their vigilance and professionalism, emphasizing that their prompt action not only maintained peace at the incident site but also led to the discovery of a possible criminal offense.
“At a time when families are dealing with uncertainty and grief, it is important that we preserve order, protect the integrity of ongoing operations, and ensure that assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries. The alertness of our personnel enabled us to immediately address the situation and take the appropriate legal action,” Gen. Mendez said. (UnliNews Online)
