PDEA female impostor nabbed

Monday 20th of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 20 -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) warns the public anew on the existence of lawless personalities masquerading as PDEA officials recruiting anti-drug agents.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. issued this public advisory in a press statement citing in particular the recent arrest of a 49 year old, female from Barangay San Roque, Antipolo Rizal, on August 16, 2012, for alleged swindling (Estafa).

The suspect introduced herself as a certain “Lieutenant Colonel Josephine Mendoza” from PDEA and fraudulently enlists people in becoming “Roving PDEA Agents”.

The suspect was arrested in an entrapment operation immediately hatched by elements of the Sta Maria Police, Bulacan in Barangay Parada after receiving a complaint from a traffic enforcer of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, that the suspect duped him by asking
P1,560 as PDEA recruitment and processing fees.

Gutierrez lauded the timely response of the officers and men of Sta. Maria Police Station thereby preventing the suspect from victimizing more people.

“We will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals who deliberately besmirch the integrity of PDEA,” Gutierrez said, adding that PDEA will be emphatic in dealing with these impostors. He also encourages the public to be watchful and vigilant and report to the authorities shady characters who pose as PDEA Officers or Agents. (PDEA)