Fake military general nabbed in Bataan over rank-for-a-fee racket

From GMA News (Mar 23): Fake military general nabbed in Bataan over rank-for-a-fee racket

Authorities arrested a man posing as a military general and recruiting men to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in exchange for cash, an exclusive report on "Balitanghali" said Wednesday.

The suspected con artist was identified as Orlando Escobar Pablico, who was arrested by members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Philippine Army Intelligence Group at his "safe house" in Hermosa, Bataan.

According to GMA News' Emil Sumangil's report, Pablico is part of the group that dangles military positions for a fee depending on the rank that the applicant wished to reach.

The charges are P10,000 for sergeant), P20,000 for lieutenant and P30,000 or more for the rank of colonel and above.

The report said Pablico's group was able to dupe people because they allegedly looked like snappy commanders and its recruits had little understanding of the military training modules.

Photos recovered during the raid showed Pablico at an event with legitimate AFP officials. He was also photographed doing live firing exercises with his recruits.

Authorities also recovered explosives from Pablico's house. Pablico, who is facing charges of robbery and extortion, denied in an interview with GMA News his participation in the scam.

He admitted though that he has received money from the group for wearing a military uniform. Authorities meanwhile asked victims to come forward and coordinate with CIDG-National Capital Region to process their complaints.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/560158/news/regions/fake-military-general-nabbed-in-bataan-over-rank-for-a-fee-racket