Two persons were arrested by authorities in an entrapment operation against alleged fixers reportedly involved in the issuance and printing of fake driver’s licenses in a shop at the downtown area in Bacolod City on Friday, August 14. (LTO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY - The Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) arrested two alleged fixers during an entrapment operation targeting a shop reportedly involved in producing fake driver’s licenses and other government documents in downtown here on Friday, August 14.
LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said a woman in her 20s was caught allegedly printing counterfeit driver’s licenses, while her male companion, in his 40s, was reportedly offering processing services.
The operation stemmed from intelligence gathered after LTO personnel recovered several fake licenses during road safety inspections over the past two months.
According to Conlu, the shop had allegedly been operating for years and was equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to produce fraudulent documents.
The suspects reportedly charged clients between P3,000 and P10,000, depending on the requested service, he said.
Aside from fake driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents, authorities also discovered other government documents being allegedly produced at the shop.
Conlu said the investigation and monitoring will continue as authorities believe other individuals may be involved in similar operations.
“This is not the last. This is just the first,” Conlu said, warning individuals involved in illegal activities to stop as authorities will continue pursuing them.
He acknowledged that some motorists may turn to fixers for convenience but reminded the public to transact only through authorized LTO channels and follow proper procedures.
Conlu stressed that there are no shortcuts to becoming a legitimate and responsible driver, emphasizing that licensing transactions must be completed legally.
The fake licenses recovered during the operation will undergo assessment. Individuals later caught using fraudulent licenses during road safety inspections may face blacklisting, he said.
The two suspects are currently detained at Police Station 1 while authorities prepare charges for anti-fixing violations and the production of fake government documents.
Conlu also thanked the Bacolod City Police Office for supporting the operation.
The arrest highlights the LTO-NIR’s intensified campaign against fixers and fraudulent document producers, which authorities say undermine the integrity of the licensing system and pose risks to road safety.