DAVAO CITY — Five shop operators and employees were arrested after authorities conducted simultaneous entrapment operations targeting establishments allegedly involved in the manufacture and sale of unauthorized vehicle license plates in key commercial areas of Davao City on September 3, 2026.
The coordinated operation was carried out by joint law enforcement teams from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), led by the San Pedro Police Station, in partnership with the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU), 1st and 2nd City Mobile Force Companies (CMFC), Land Transportation Office (LTO) Central Office, Regional Intelligence Division 11 (RID11), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 11 (CIDG 11).
Authorities said the synchronized operations resulted in the arrest of five individuals who were allegedly caught in flagrante delicto, or in the act, of manufacturing and selling fake license plates.
The operations also resulted in the seizure of 66 unauthorized license plates, marked money reportedly used during the entrapment transactions, official receipts, and various pieces of equipment allegedly used in the production of the illegal plates.
Among the equipment confiscated were plotter cutters, metal molders and specialized manufacturing tools, indicating that the establishments had the capability to produce vehicle plates using equipment beyond ordinary manual fabrication.
Police said the operation underscores the intensified efforts of law enforcement and transportation authorities to dismantle illegal plate-making operations that undermine the government’s system for identifying and monitoring motor vehicles.
Fake plates pose security threat
Authorities warned that unauthorized and counterfeit license plates are not merely violations of transportation regulations but can also create serious public safety and law enforcement concerns.
Fake or improperly registered plates can be used to conceal the identity of vehicles, making it more difficult for authorities to trace motorists involved in criminal activities, traffic violations, road crashes and hit-and-run incidents.
Law enforcement authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of legitimate vehicle identification systems in investigations, particularly when vehicles are used as getaway vehicles or are otherwise connected to criminal incidents.
The proliferation of counterfeit plates can therefore compromise the reliability of vehicle identification and make it harder for investigators to establish the ownership or movement of vehicles involved in crimes.
Suspects face multiple charges
The arrested individuals are set to face criminal charges for alleged violations of several laws, including Falsification of Documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code and Possession of Implements for Falsification under Article 176.
They are also being charged for alleged violations of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, or Republic Act No. 11235, as amended by Republic Act No. 12209.
Authorities said the seized equipment and other evidence would form part of the cases to be filed against the suspects.
The operation also serves as a warning to businesses engaged in the unauthorized fabrication of vehicle plates that law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to identify and shut down such activities.
Establishments found manufacturing unauthorized plates may face confiscation of equipment and closure, in addition to criminal prosecution of those responsible.
Motorists also warned
Authorities likewise warned motorists against purchasing or using counterfeit or unauthorized license plates.
While the operation focused on alleged manufacturers and sellers, law enforcement authorities stressed that individuals who knowingly purchase or use fake plates may also face legal consequences.
The warning comes amid continuing efforts to strengthen vehicle registration and identification systems and prevent motorcycles and other vehicles from being used to evade detection.
The DCPO and LTO reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against unauthorized license plate fabrication, stressing that legitimate vehicle identification is an important component of road safety, crime prevention and public order.
PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria, City Director of the DCPO, said the coordinated operation demonstrates the commitment of police and partner agencies to protect the integrity of the country’s vehicle identification system and prevent its exploitation by criminal elements.
The September 3 operation also highlighted the value of inter-agency coordination, with police, intelligence and transportation authorities working together to identify suspected illegal plate-making activities and conduct simultaneous enforcement actions.
Authorities said operations against unauthorized plate fabricators will continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen road security and ensure that vehicles operating in Davao City carry legitimate and properly issued identification plates.