MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have confiscated fake government identification cards (IDs) during a raid in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay, Cebu.
In a statement on Monday, the BIR said the raid was conducted last month following reports of rampant selling of fake government IDs online.
It said they confiscated freshly-made fake IDs, including Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards, as well as equipment used in their production such as printers, computers, and laminators.
The suspect, identified as Geraldine Tausa, was arrested at the scene.
According to the NBI, Tausa is part of a syndicate selling counterfeit IDs online for prices ranging from PHP150 to PHP380.
To avoid detection, the syndicate arranges for the fake IDs to be picked up from different locations and then delivered through courier services.
"The creation and distribution of fake government IDs not only undermine the integrity of our identification system but also facilitate the proliferation of fraudulent activities that can harm many individuals. We are committed to rooting out these illegal operations and bringing those responsible to justice," BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.
The BIR said that at first glance, the counterfeit IDs are almost indistinguishable from legitimate ones.
The difference lies in the quick response (QR) Code, which when scanned, reveals the IDs validity if authentic or not.
The BIR said that during questioning, Tausa admitted to her involvement in the illegal activity and she had been engaged in it for the past five months.
It said Tausa disclosed she receives templates and numbers from a supplier, and her role is to print the IDs.
The BIR added Tausa also revealed that she has four resellers distributing the fake IDs.
"This raid is just the beginning. We will continue to pursue and dismantle these criminal networks to protect the public and maintain the credibility of our government institutions," Lumagui said. (PNA)
