6 arrested, 64 fake plates seized in Davao City raids

MANILA, Philippines – Five establishments in Davao City were raided by authorities for allegedly manufacturing fake vehicle license plates on Thursday, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In a statement on Friday, the LTO noted that six individuals allegedly involved in the scheme were arrested, while 64 fake plates were confiscated during the operation along Quezon Boulevard in Davao City.

The five establishments were identified as Pogz Art and Sign, Eschat Art and Sign Tailoring, Sticker Art and Sign, WMT Printing Services, and Magnorms Advertising Services.

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The LTO implemented the raid alongside personnel from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the PNP-Regional Intelligence Division 11, and the PNP-Davao City Police Office.

Authorities also seized computers, machine tools and other equipment allegedly used to manufacture the counterfeit plates, including hammers, cutters, steel plates, sticker cutters, plain sheets and an improvised flat screw used for molding.

The six arrested individuals were brought to the Davao City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

They will face charges for alleged violation of falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents, manufacturing and possession of instruments or implants for falsification, and the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, the LTO said. 

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Meanwhile, the confiscated equipment and other evidence were inventoried and secured for further proceedings.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency would go after not only motorists who use fake plates but also those who manufacture and sell them.

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“Hinahanap namin kung saan ito ginagawa at kung sino ang kumikita sa ilegal na negosyong ito. Hangga’t may gumagawa at nagbebenta ng pekeng plaka, tuloy ang operasyon ng LTO,” Lacanilao said.

(We are looking for where these [fake plates] are being made and who is profiting from this illegal business. As long as someone is making and selling fake license plates, the LTO’s operations will continue.)

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He urged motorists not to buy or use counterfeit license plates, including those made to resemble official LTO plates.

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The LTO also advised the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing or selling of fake plates through the agency’s “I-Report Mo Kay LTO Chief” Facebook page or its website. — Rendell Ivan Manuel, INQUIRER.net trainee/ dp