NBI: 4 charged for selling fake documents in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges were filed against four people, including a minor, who were arrested for allegedly selling falsified documents in Sta. Cruz, Manila, the National Bureau of Investigation reported yesterday.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said complaints for falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code were filed against the suspects before the Manila prosecutor’s office.

Santiago identified the suspects as Paul Christian Abellera, Edgardo Carpio, Jenny Bade Trajano and a 17-year-old boy.

The operation was conducted following surveillance by the NBI’s special task force.

Santiago said the suspects were found to be offering fake documents such as NBI clearance, driver’s license, mayor’s permit, medical certificates, police clearance, passports,  transfer certificate of title and even electric bills.

NBI agents also confiscated 10 computers and other equipment used in creating fake documents.

Santiago said the place was the subject of raids even when he was still in the police service.

He said the reason could be the light penalties imposed on violators.

“Mura lang ang piyansa rito at kapag na-convict, the sentence is probationable,” he said at a news briefing.

The NBI said the suspects demanded P500 to P1,500 for a fake NBI clearance and P5,000 for a passport.