NINE armed men who introduced themselves as high-ranking police and army officials onboard two private vehicles were arrested at a checkpoint in San Jorge, Samar Saturday evening, June 5, 2021.

Police recovered from the suspects several unlicensed short firearms, ammunition, radios, military uniforms, mobile phones, fake police and army identification cards, and other personal belongings.

In an initial report, the armed men presented suspicious travel papers which purportedly allow them to pass any checkpoints in their destinations.

The suspects were reportedly bound for Manila when they were intercepted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Barangay Poblacion I, San Jorge.

Authorities said the suspects will be facing charges for usurpation of authority, falsification of public documents, and illegal possession of firearms.

The suspects, who have yet to be identified, are now detained at the San Jorge Municipal Police Station. (SunStar Philippines)