In a crackdown on cybercrime, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) announced the arrest of three individuals involved in the online sale of fake government identification cards. The arrests took place in separate operations across the country. In Quezon City, a woman known as ‘Marie’ was apprehended on February 5 during an entrapment operation. She was caught selling counterfeit Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and tax identification cards on Facebook. Days later, on February 9, in Zamboanga City, two more suspects, identified as ‘Chan’ and ‘Nica’, were arrested for similar offenses on the same social media platform. According to PNP ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, the trio confessed to having completed more than 20 transactions, selling each fake ID for PHP600 since the inception of their scheme. Yang emphasized the importance of public vigilance and encouraged reporting of any suspicious online activities related to counterfeit IDs. He stressed the role of citizens in safeguarding the integrity of official records by reporting such cybercrimes to PNP offices nationwide. During an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City, ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Arancillo highlighted that young adults aged 18 to 25 are increasingly involved in these illegal online activities. He noted that the convenience of obtaining IDs without visiting government offices is a significant draw for clients. Arancillo also warned that these fake IDs could facilitate various fraudulent activities, including online scams.
Three Arrested for Selling Counterfeit Government IDs Online in the Philippines
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