Man arrested for falsifying government documents, IDs

CEBU, Philippines — A 47-year-old man was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) for allegedly falsifying government-issued identification cards, including NBI and police clearances.

NBI-CEBDO Agent-in-Charge Arnel Pura said in a press conference yesterday, June 17, that the suspect, identified as Randy Castañares, was apprehended on June 5, 2025, during an operation on Sanciangko Street in Cebu City.

Pura said several counterfeit government IDs were confiscated from Castañares, who had reportedly been operating in the area for nearly two years.

“Worst, kaning si Randy was reported to also [be] falsifying NBI and police clearance,” Pura said.

The operation was launched after a concerned client reported the matter to the NBI. Acting on the report and with authorization from NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago, NBI-CEBDO immediately conducted an operation.

Pura said they conducted a test-buy and surveillance operation, which confirmed that Castañares was indeed involved in falsification.

During the operation, eight falsified documents were seized, including three NBI clearances, two police clearances, one marine ID, one PhilHealth ID, and one Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID.

Pura added that several other IDs were also found in Castañares’ possession, but the NBI-CEBDO is still verifying their authenticity with the concerned government agencies.

Based on initial findings, Agent-on-Case Bienvenido Panican said Castañares could produce “anything that anybody needs,” including government IDs, certifications, and notarized documents.

He said Castañares could complete the transaction either online or in person, with the documents ready for pickup within just two hours.

Panican added that the suspect was “very cautious,” refusing to disclose to clients where he printed the documents.

“He does not reveal where he is going and instead just has his customers wait at a designated spot,” Panican said.

“May table siya doon, at doon niya pinahihintay yung mga cliente niya until dumating ang inorder na document,” he added.

Even during his arrest and interrogation, Castañares refused to reveal where the documents were printed or who may be involved as accomplices in the operation, Panican said.

He also warned that individuals who avail themselves of fake documents will be held accountable.

“Kung sino ang gumagamit ng fake documents, puwede rin siya kasohan,” Panican said.

He noted that many resort to these services because of the ease of transaction—all that’s required is a complete name and a photo.

“This is especially common among those who struggle to obtain legal IDs from government offices and don’t want to wait in long lines,” Panican said.

“Nagreresort na lang sila sa ganitong proseso kahit na iligal,” he added.

Prices for the fake IDs reportedly ranged from ?500 for a police clearance, ?800 for an NBI clearance, and ?1,000 to ?1,500 for a driver’s license.

In a separate interview, Castañares admitted to producing the fake documents, saying he earned at least ?200 per print.

He claimed he was helping individuals who had difficulty acquiring legal papers, such as those who had not graduated, by making fake certifications for them.

The NBI-CEBDO said Castañares violated Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers the falsification of public documents.

The agency also noted that this is not an isolated case, and other similar operations are still under investigation.

Castañares said he posted bail of ?36,000 earlier on June 17. Once released, he said he plans to stop producing fake documents and return to working as a typist.

“Mao na lang na atong pangdawaton. Dili na ta anang mga extracurricular activities,” said Castañares, adding that he will focus on typing deeds of sale and birth certificates. — (FREEMAN)