OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two layout artists of a printing press for selling fake vaccination cards in Digos City in Davao del Sur on Saturday while two women were arrested for the same offense in Marikina City a day earlier.
The CIDG said suspects Mickent Queen Sabio Cuizon, 22, and Danica Cabigas Razon, 22, both residents of Digos City, were arrested during an entrapment operation hatched by CIDG operatives in Estrada 1st in Barangay Zone 1 in Digos City.
Seized from their possession were the buy-bust money, eight fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, computer and printer, 11 pieces of photo paper, and two ID cards.
The two face charges of violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and Article 70 (falsification of legislative documents) of the Revised Penal Code.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said the CIDG is also looking into reports about the sale of cards that supposedly exempt unvaccinated individuals from restrictions.
The government has imposed restrictions on people who are yet to be inoculated against COVID-19, including the “no vaccination, no ride” policy in the National Capital Region.
Ferro said he has received reports that the bogus exemption cards are sold by unscrupulous individuals for P500 to P1,000.
Ferro said the government has not authorized such cards. He noted that the government has been pushing for the vaccination of as much people as possible to protect themselves from the virus.
In Marikina, police chief Col. Benliner Capili said arrested were Rovelyn Lebores, 37, and Alma Ramirez, 43, jobless, both residing in Barangay Tumana.
Seized from them were computer units and copies of fake vaccination cards which the two allegedly sell them for P250 each.
Investigation shows that on January 21, police received reports that a computer shop, also the home of Lebores on block 39 Farmer 1 street in Barangay Tumana, makes fake vaccination cards.
“The Marikina PNP will stem its campaign and look forward to the continued aggressive campaign of our police not only against those who make and sell fake vaccination cards but also against those who buy and use them for they are not only victimizing their families, neighbors, and city residents but also themselves for risking their safety to potential infection,” Capili said. — With Christian Oineza
