By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent/
POLICE yesterday pressed charges against five members of a group calling itself the United States Army Freedom Fighters of the East (Usaffe) for illegal use of police uniforms or insignia.
The complaint was filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Rey Butal, 25, of Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Felipe Manila, 68, of Jasa-an; Erlinda Piedad, 66, of Jasaan; Edgar Gumahad, 37, of Purok 13, Baloy; Mario Hingcayog, 47, of Tagoloan, and Florencio Mier, 60, of Claveria.
Chief Insp. Mardy Hortillosa, city police spokesman, said Butal misrepresented himself as a lieutenant colonel, Manila as a colonel, Erlinda Piedad as a 2nd lieutenant, and Mier as a 2nd lieutenant. It was unclear if Gumahad and Hingcayog claimed military ranks.
He said the group is under controversial lawyer Elly Pamatong.
Hortillosa said the suspects were riding a Usaffe vehicle when they were flagged down at a checkpoint at Purok 11, Sitio Baloy, Barangay Tablon, at around 1:45 pm Sunday.
Hortillosa said the members of the group wore uniforms similar to that of Swat members. He said that was unauthorized.
Although unarmed, the suspects were brought to the police headquarters for detention.
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