NBI busts fake visa syndicate

The Natonal Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed to have busted yesterday a big-time syndicate behind the manufacture of fake visas and passports following the arrest of two men in Metro Manila.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said the group, which has been operating for the past 10 years, can make fake visas from countries with strict requirements and policies in the issuance of documents.

Wycoco said the group can provide a client with a Schengen visa, for use in several European countries except the United Kingdom, for some P25,000 to P30,000.

The NBI chief presented the suspects — Ramon Capitulo, 38, and Michael Subigay, 31, both of 3526 Gen. Lucban street, Bangkal, Makati City to the media yesterday afternoon.

Wycoco said a raid was conducted following information about the activities of the suspects.

Wycoco said the NBI-Intelligence Special Operations Division (ISOD), under Oscar Embido, applied and secured a search warrant from Makati City Judge Tranquilino Salvador of Regional Trial Court Branch 63.

Armed with a search warrant, NBI agents raided Capitulo’s house, where they found and seized several genuine passports and visas for different countries in Europe, the United States and the Middle East.

Raiders also confiscated paraphernalia used in manufacturing fake visas and passports.

Wycoco said the suspects, who are now detained at the NBI detention cell, would be charged with violation of Republic Act 8293, also known as the Philippine Passport Act.

The NBI chief ordered Embido to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to check the source of the genuine passports seized from the suspects.

"The DFA is supposed to control the release of passports. How come these people managed to get hold of them?" asked Wycoco.

However, Wycoco hinted that some individuals might have applied and secured genuine passports, which they then sell to Capitulo’s group. They would later declare the travel documents missing, allowing them to secure new ones.