CEBU CITY – The Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (Region 7) has warned the public against the proliferation of fake driver’s licenses.
LTO Region 7 director Victor Caindec said the so-called fixers selling fake driver's licenses continue to exist.
Caindec issued the warning after he led an entrapment operation against two individuals selling fake driver's licenses in Bohol last July 19.
Operatives of the Jagna Police Station of the Bohol Provincial Police Office arrested Maximo Galagar Jr., 59, and Alfredo Cogotano, both from Jagna.
Caindec said two complainants appeared before the Jagna Police Station to file a complaint against the suspects.
"The complainants went to the Jagna Police Station after they discovered that the driver’s licenses that were issued to them were fake. They were convinced by the suspects that they knew someone from LTO who will help them process their driver’s licenses,” said Caindec.
Caindec said the two suspects didn’t ask for requirements from the complainants, who were only made to pay P7,000. “We are looking at their connections so we can arrest them,” said Caindec.
Caindec said rates of counterfeit licenses range from P12,000 to P15,000.
Bohol police said there have been at least 100 complainants in the past few months.
"With the opening of New License Issuance facility in Garcia Hernandez and Talibon LTO offices, we hope that the perceived difficulties in getting a valid driver's license, which lure victims to no appearance fixers, complemented by the LTO Malasakit Outreach program in Bohol giving out scholarships for Theoretical Driving Course, the problem will be addressed," said Caindec.
The suspects will be charged with estafa, falsification of public documents, among others, said Caindec.
Cainder advised applicants not to patronize fixers as driving with a fake license carried P3,000 fine with a 12-month suspension of driver's license under Republic Act No. 4136.