Photo courtesy of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
Authorities arrested a man allegedly operating a fake document mill in Sta. Cruz, Manila, after a viral YouTube video showed how forged Philippine passports could reportedly be bought in the capital.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said its Anti-Organized Crime Unit traced the operation after reviewing an August 10 video by content creator “Discover with Joe HaTTab” titled I Bought a Fake Passport in the Philippines for $150.
Police later conducted surveillance and identified a location in Barangay 310, where operatives moved in at around 8:30 p.m. on August 19. The suspect was allegedly caught producing fraudulent government credentials.
Investigators said fake Philippine passports were being sold for about Php 3,500 each, while counterfeit Land Transportation Office driver’s licenses reportedly cost Php 1,200.
The operation yielded suspected forged passports, driver’s licenses, NBI clearances and other government documents, along with computers, printers, lamination machines and materials allegedly used in their production.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico said forged travel documents posed risks beyond ordinary document fraud because they could undermine border security and the integrity of official identification systems.
“The manufacturing and proliferation of fake Philippine passports is a direct assault on national sovereignty. Every forged passport compromises our collective safety and actively compromises the integrity of our national borders,” Morico said.
The suspect is expected to face complaints under Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act, as well as provisions of the Revised Penal Code covering falsification of public, official or commercial documents.