By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) on Wednesday said three persons were arrested in separate operations for selling fake government identification cards online.
In a statement, PNP ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspect identified as “Marie” was arrested in an entrapment operation on Feb. 5 in Novaliches, Quezon City for selling fake Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and tax identification IDs on Facebook.
On Feb. 9, the anti-cybercrime police in Zamboanga City likewise arrested alias “Chan” and “Nica” also for selling fake government IDs on Facebook.
The suspects, Yang said, admitted that they completed over 20 transactions amounting to PHP600 per ID since they started the scheme.
Yang urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities involving counterfeit ID documents.
“Protect yourself and help maintain the integrity of official records by reporting cybercrimes to our offices nationwide,” he said.
In an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City, ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Arancillo said teens aged 18 to 25 are involved in illegal online activities.
He said the scheme attracts clients since “they would no longer have to line up at agency offices.”
Arancillo warned the public that fake government IDs can be used in fraudulent activities like online scams. (PNA)
