A man has been arrested in Manila by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly selling fake licenses of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
The NBI identified the suspect as Eddie Bayotas Pleje who was apprehended by operatives of the NBI Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO) during an entrapment operation conducted last July 8.
NBI-CAVIDO North Chief Czar Eric M. Nuqui said Pleje was arrested in the act of submitting the fake CAAP license for aircraft mechanic and pilot.
Nuqui said the operation was conducted after receiving a letter request from the CAAP pertaining to these prevalent transactions online and social media involving the selling of fake licenses and other certifications supposedly issued by CAAP.
Thus, he said, NBI-CAVIDO agents utilized undercover personnel to transact with the suspect.
Nuqui also said Pleje was charged with falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents under the Revised Penal Code (PRC) in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and Article 315 paragraph 2(a) of the RPC.
The NBI said the exploitation of fake CAAP licenses poses potential aviation accident which is detrimental to the national interest due to high risks involving aviation.