The Civil Security Group – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (CSG-SOSIA) has issued on Sept. 8 an advisory warning all private security agencies, associations, organizations, and personnel of the “Agaw Armas” modus perpetrated by fake SOSIA/ FEO inspectors.
In said advisory, CSG-SOSIA cited a report on an incident that transpired at the British Cambridge Institute in Valenzuela City last Aug. 5.
According to the report, a security guard named Marlon Capuno of Climaco Investigation and Security Agency was approached by the suspect who introduced himself as SPO2 Bumlo, an inspector from SOSIA.
Bumlo allegedly cited violations and confiscated Capuno’s service firearm before issuing a fake inspection report,
The suspect carted away the victim’s Armscor caliber .38 revolver and live ammunition.
CSG-SOSIA said similar incidents have been reported since 2012 and the suspects usually use the names of PINSP Roberto Naag, SPO3 Aseo, SPO3 Anceto, SPO3 Bautista, SPO3 Dumlao, and SPO3 Narciso Vitus to carry out their crime.
CSG-SOSIA advised concerned agencies and personnel to take preventive measures by reorienting their security guards, particularly those in isolated areas and single posting to be vigilant and cautious in entertaining or dealing with people introducing themselves as SOSIA or FEO Inspectors.
CSG-SOSIA also shared the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of the “Agaw Armas” modus:
- Always ask for a valid copy of Letter of Order (LO) from the SOSIA inspection team or inspector.
- Be observant of the uniform, accoutrements, and identification cards of the SOSIA inspectors.
- SOSIA inspection teams are always officer-led and in complete uniform with SOSIA identification tag clearly showing their names, ranks, position and office.
- SOSIA inspection teams usually conduct inspection during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.
