A 39-year-old driver who allegedly posed as a police officer to prey on young commuters was arrested along F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay City on Thursday night.
Operatives from Pasay City Police Station's Sub-station 1 apprehended the suspect, identified only by the alias Ben, a resident of Valenzuela City.
The operation was the result of intensified monitoring following a robbery incident on 5 February 2026. In that case, two female students reported being intimidated by a taxi driver who drew a firearm and introduced himself as a police officer.
The suspect allegedly demanded an exorbitant fare of over P6,000 and forcibly transferred funds from a victim’s digital wallet before allowing them to alight near a terminal in Pasay.
At approximately 11:45 PM on 26 February, personnel of Sub-station 1 sighted the suspect’s white taxi, bearing plate number UVV 466, parked suspiciously along F.B. Harrison Street.
During frisking, police officers discovered a firearm replica with a magazine tucked into the suspect's waistline. A further search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a riot-type hand grenade from the center compartment. The suspect failed to provide any legal permits or authority to possess the explosive device or the firearm replica.
The suspect is currently being held at the Pasay City Police Station custodial facility. He faces charges for violations of Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
Additionally, separate charges for robbery with violence or intimidation of persons will be filed concerning the incident involving the two students.