Social media personality Norman Mangusin, also known as Francis Leo Marcos, was arrested by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on the strength of a warrant issued by Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 294, according to NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan.
Mangusin was apprehended at a hotel and is facing a case for the unauthorized use of a Philippine National Police uniform. The arrest follows an earlier investigation by the PNP into a photo circulating online that showed him wearing a ceremonial blue police uniform.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing at Camp Crame, “Based on the initial investigation from PRO 2, the liability is with the person who wore the uniform.” He added, “His possible violation is the Revised Penal Code, Article 179. This pertains to the illegal use of uniforms and insignias.”
The controversy began after a photo of Mangusin wearing the police uniform surfaced on social media. A post claimed that Police Regional Office Cagayan Valley Director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. had lent him the uniform. The PNP launched an investigation into the image and the circumstances surrounding it.
In a video posted on his social media account, Mangusin denied ever wearing a police uniform and claimed that the circulating photo had been edited.
Authorities have not released further details on the proceedings following his arrest. The case now moves to the court that issued the warrant.
