3 nabbed for falsification of public documents

MANILA, Philippines – Three persons were arrested by the Manila Police District operatives after they were caught making and selling fake documents such as school transcript of records, diplomas, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and National Statistics Office birth certificates, and others, in an entrapment operation in Quiapo, Manila Tuesday.

The suspects were presented to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim at the Manila City Hall yesterday morning.

MPD Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay identified them as Emil Chavenia, alias Bong, 31, single, computer technician, resident of Z. P. De Guzman St., Quiapo, Manila; John Borja, 39, married, graphic artist, resident of 518 Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila; and Jonald Fuentez, 23, single, fixer, resident of 518 Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila.

The three were detained at the MPD headquarters and charged with violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code or falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents.

The three were arrested on Quezon Boulevard near their residences in Quiapo. Seized from them were two units of computers, scanner, three units of computer printers, assorted metal seals, CDs, display board, and different fake certificates.

Also recovered from the suspects were ballpens, three professional driver’s licenses, all bearing the name of Borja, photographs, and P250 in cash used in the entrapment operation.

At around 5:45 p.m. last Tueday, the MPD received information that the suspects were conducting their illegal operations along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo.

A team led by SPO4 Pilar Acua and PO2 Fernando Coloma went to the area and found Fuentes offering fake diplomas, birth certificates and identification cards.

Colomo bought a fake diploma from Fuentes using a marked money and immediately arrested him and two other suspects.