POLICE in Tarragona are investigating an alleged incident of harassment involving individuals posing as members of the Philippine Army.
The incident, which occurred around 5 p.m. on May 4, 2025, prompted a hot pursuit operation by local authorities after a resident reported the suspicious activities.
According to the report filed by John Paul Bangga Lambay, 40, a resident of Sitio Tagapulo, Barangay Tubaon, unidentified individuals arrived in various sitios of Barangay Tubaon, allegedly harassing residents.
Responding to the report, a team from the Tarragona Municipal Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Police Captain Roy L. Englisa, along with personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) XI under the supervision of Police Major Jeffrey Superada and the Regional Police Special Battalion (R-PSB) Tubaon team, immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation.
Initial investigation revealed a group of individuals who identified themselves as members of the Philippine Army, claiming they were there to maintain peace in the area.
These individuals were later identified as: alyas Abdul, Warrin, Mahmod, Jonathan, Amri, Lailatol, Ghaffar, all residents of Barangay Bobon, Mati City; Alyas Albert, Ghiemor, Kadafi, all residents of Mati City; Alyas Jack, a resident of Maragusan, Davao De Oro; Alyas Ronald and Alyas Jayson, residents of Tagbua, Lupon; Alyas Ronel, a resident of Clubihan, Banaybanay; Alyas Jasper, a resident of Limbajan, Lupon; and Alyas Juven, a resident of Maragusan, Davao De Oro. All are of legal age.
The sudden appearance of these individuals, who were not known to be from the area, caused panic and fear among the residents of Barangay Tubaon, who were unaware of their intentions.
Further investigation at the scene revealed that the individuals were not actually members of the Philippine Army. Instead, they allegedly confessed to being hired by a running candidate for Vice Mayor, Esnani Mai (Ret. Philippine Army), to act as security for her voters in their respective houses during the upcoming election, according to the report of PRO XI.
It was also discovered that these individuals were residents of other municipalities within Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.
Meanwhile, the Tarragona Municipal Police Station is expected to file appropriate charges against the involved individuals for usurpation of authority and other possible election offenses.
