2 scammers impersonating Army chief nabbed in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines — The two impersonators of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido were arrested in Pampanga, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said on Tuesday.

Dema-ala said Antonio Oreño Cerbito and Ariel Oreño, were arrested on Feb. 25 in a joint operation in Barangay Mapalad in Arayat town.

Cerbito and Oreño were the alleged masterminds of an organized scamming group which targeted government suppliers, the spokesperson said.

“Their modus operandi involved sending fraudulent messages demanding ‘representation fees’ from project holders and suppliers using social media accounts that impersonated the army chief,” Dema-ala said in a regular Armed Forces of the Philippines briefing in Quezon City.

Cerbito and Oreño are now under police custody and facing illegal usurpation, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of illegal drugs charges.

Dema-ala said the Army has “zero tolerance for fraud” as he reminded the public that it  does not conduct any kind of solicitation and payment in exchange for its services.

“No one in the Philippine Army, including the Commanding General, may demand any form of solicitation and or monetary requirements for any of its transactions,” Dema-ala said.

“It also does not accept payment of any kind from its applicants and aspiring soldiers during the recruitment process,” he added.