Man arrested for faking documents

Man arrested for faking documents
SunStar Local News
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AUTHORITIES have filed falsification charges against a man allegedly behind the sale of fake government-issued identification cards, following a two-week surveillance operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-Cebdo).

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the filing of a criminal case against Randy Castañares, who was arrested on June 5, 2025, for allegedly falsifying public documents in violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Castañares was apprehended around 6:20 p.m. and was subjected to an inquest proceeding.

He waived his right to a preliminary investigation prompting the prosecutor to resolve the case based solely on the evidence on record.

The resolution concluded there was prima facie evidence to charge Castańares in court.

According to NBI-Cebdo Executive Officer for Operations Bienvenido Panican in an interview on Tuesday, June 17, the fake documents included police clearances, NBI clearances, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, a BIR ID, and a marine ID.

“We confiscated eight IDs during the operation, which were intended for illegal transactions. Our evidence clearly shows they are fake,” Panican said.

Panican explained that fake government-issued IDs are used in employment, travel, and other legal transactions—posing a serious threat to the integrity of public institutions.

If the police clearance or NBI clearance is fake, it can be used to cover up a criminal record. A falsified birth certificate can alter a person’s identity, while a fake National ID poses a serious risk as it could compromise the national database, Panican said.

Authorities were tipped off by one of Castañares’ clients, prompting them to launch a discreet investigation.

He had reportedly been operating his illegal sideline for the past two years at a stall in D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City.

‘Middleman’

His setup was simple — just a table where people could inquire and order fake IDs.

Clients were allegedly charged P500 for a police clearance, P800 for NBI clearance, and between P1,000 to P1,500 for a plastic driver’s license, with laminated versions costing more.

“He just stays at his stall. He doesn’t reveal where he gets the documents printed. What’s only visible in his spot is that he claims to be a typist, but it’s clear he is the middleman in the operation,” Panican said.

During the entrapment operation, agents also recovered marked money used in the transaction.

Investigators are now working to identify Castañares’ possible accomplices, including the printer or forger behind the fake IDs.

Panican said the suspect has not yet revealed the name of his source.

So far, he is the only one identified, but authorities believe there are more individuals involved in the illegal operation.

He warned that clients who knowingly use fake IDs may also be held liable.

Panican explained that anyone found carrying or using a falsified document may also face criminal charges.

Fake IDs can often be identified by poor-quality holograms or blurred logos. Panican noted that authentic IDs are usually glossy and have clear, distinct seals.

The suspect has since posted bail amounting to P36,000.

In a separate interview, Castañares claimed financial hardship pushed him to accept deals for fake ID services.

Panican said the suspect claimed he was only a typist and that the transactions were done through negotiation.

He added that most of the suspect’s clients did not finish school and were seeking assistance to find employment.

Despite his claims, authorities are pressing on with their case. / CAV

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