Police raid ‘diploma mill’ in Recto; 7 arrested

Acting on reports of the unabated operations of makers of fake diplomas and other government documents, police operatives swooped down on suspected "diploma mills" along Recto Avenue in Manila yesterday.

Seven persons involved in the illegal trade were arrested while various printing materials were seized.

Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, however, admitted that it is not easy to track down the syndicate engaged in making counterfeit diplomas and government documents since they are hiding behind legitimate businesses. The syndicate reportedly use watch repair shops, printing shops, second-hand bookstores and even sidewalk vendors as fronts for their nefarious activities, according to Sapitula.

Though some are bold enough to advertise their services along the sidewalks, it is not easy to make arrests since the fixers are trained to spot authorities from ordinary clients, Sapitula told The STAR.

He added that the syndicate may be enjoying the protection of well-entrenched financiers, since arrested persons can easily post bail and resume their operation immediately after release.

"It’s just like a cycle of arrest and release. We need a tougher law to pin down the counterfeiters," he said.

Those arrested and charged were Jonathan Lungara, 23; Roberto de Jesus, 32; Michael Viola, 29; Julieta Gomez, 50; Emma Lim, 53; Alona Encarnacion, 31; and Benny Flores, 33.