Manila cops uncover another case of faking COVID-19 test results

MANILA, Philippines — Police on Friday collared another suspect involved in producing fake results of rapid tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other falsified public documents.

Manila police commander Lt. Col. John Guiagui of Sta. Cruz police identified the suspect as Marilyn Balagtas, 40.

Manila police district hatched an operation against Balagtas in Barangay 315 Zone 32 at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday after receiving information about the proliferation of bogus rapid test results.

Balagtas was arrested after a policeman posing as a customer availed himself of a fake travel authority.

Recovered were two sets of printers, assorted fake documents and P300 marked money.

Balagtas will face cases for violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code or falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents, and Article 174 of the Revised Penal Code or false medical certificates.

Last July, police also found a computer shop in Caloocan that offers to edit results for COVID-19 tests.[ac]