A WOMAN was arrested after she was caught wearing a police uniform near a mall in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City around 8 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
Lyza Dagpin, 21, a native of Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, was caught by personnel of the Cebu City Mobile Force Company while they were patrolling the area.
When she was confronted by police, Dagpin said the police uniform she was wearing was owned by her classmate.
Dagpin immediately took off the clothes when police officers attempt to question her.
She also claimed that she was pregnant at that time that police tried to arrest her.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson for Police Regional Office 7 Director Brigadier General Jerry Bearis, said Dagpin can be sued for violating Article 179 of Revised Penal Code, which penalizes any person "who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class or persons of which he or she is not a member."
Pelare said Dagpin can also be charged for allegedly stealing the uniform and for disguising as a police officer, which qualifies as usurpation of authority.
He said Dagpin is undergoing investigation.
“I would like to inform the public that there is a specific law prohibiting any civilian to wear uniform or insignias of the PNP as well as to usurp the duties of the police officer,” Pelare said.
As to allegations that Dagpin might have mental issues at the time of her arrest, Perale said only the court can decide on the matter based on the findings of a physician. (AYB/TPT)