Graphic artist held for fake travel passes

MANILA, Philippines — A graphic artist in San Juan was arrested on Friday for allegedly issuing fake health certificates and travel passes with name and signature of the city health officer.

Angelito Benipayo, 42, was apprehended at his cell phone shop at the Greenhills Shopping Center at around 4:30 p.m., city police chief Col. Jaime Santos told reporters in a message on Viber.

The suspect’s companion, Laverne Esquivas, 32, was also taken into custody after he reportedly intervened in his arrest.

Santos said they conducted a sting after a man found out that his wife’s health certificate and travel pass, which bore the name and signature of city health officer Rosalie Domingo, were found to be fake after verification with the San Juan health office.

Benipayo was arrested after he received P1,000 in cash from an undercover police officer who posed as a customer.

Police seized the suspect’s laptop, printer and laminating machine.

Benipayo was charged with forgery and falsification of public documents while Esquivas is facing a complaint for obstruction of justice.