Quezon city: The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against groups impersonating HPG members nationwide. In a press briefing held at the HPG headquarters at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang shared that the organization is considering filing cases against a force multiplier group for usurpation of authority and illegal use of insignia, following reports from concerned citizens about these illicit activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, force multipliers are civic and community volunteer groups that collaborate with the police to assist in law enforcement. Malang emphasized that HPG force multiplier volunteers are deployed to aid in traffic control at strategic locations. He stated, "We are taking the necessary legal actions, and appropriate criminal charges will be filed against those involved in these unscrupulous acts. The PNP-HPG remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of our organization and protecting the public from fraud."
Individuals involved may face charges for usurpation of authority and illegal use of police logo and insignias under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code and Executive Order 297. This warning follows reports that a group named 'HPG Force Multiplier Inc. (FMI)' has allegedly been collecting fees from at least 500 members across the country, falsely claiming affiliation with the PNP's traffic unit.
Malang revealed that FMI is currently inactive, as per a suspension order previously issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). "The organization was registered on May 31, 2010, with a listed address in Calamba, Laguna, Region IV-A (CALABARZON). However, there are no records of secondary licenses, accreditations, or national operating authority issued to this group," Malang explained.
Numerous reports indicate that several group members, particularly in Luzon, have been recruiting individuals and collecting fees ranging from PHP350 to PHP750 under the guise of official membership or recognition. Malang clarified that the PNP-HPG does not permit any private group or individual to collect fees for IDs, uniforms, or memberships unless officially approved and publicly announced through verified channels.
Additionally, the HPG accused the group of illegally using the agency's insignia. Malang described how their uniforms bear a logo resembling that of the PNP HPG, with 'HPG' prominently displayed and 'FMI' in much smaller letters at the bottom.
The HPG's legal consultants are currently drafting a position paper on where to file cases against the group. Malang noted, "These are outside their duties as a force multiplier. We will be doing a regular filing to file a case against this group."
Lastly, Malang conveyed that HPG Director Brig. Gen. William Segun had already cautioned FMI officials about their illegal activities. Segun urged the public to report unauthorized individuals claiming to be HPG members by contacting the nearest HPG office, its official hotline 09985988171, or its verified social media accounts.
