2 barkers nabbed for selling fake ‘vax cards’
SOUTHERN Police District (SPD) Director P/BGen. Jimili Macaraeg warned unvaccinated commuters not to fall prey to fake vaccine cards being sold by unscrupulous individuals.
Macaraeg issued the warning following the arrest of two barkers identified as Alex Batayan, 39, and Eddie Garcia, 46, both residents of Pasay City while selling falsified vaccine cards to unvaccinated commuters at around 6:00 p.m. along Apelo Cruz St. Brgy. 151 Malibay on Monday.
Investigation showed that while elements of Pasay City police were conducting a routine patrol in Brgy. Malibay, a concerned citizen informed them about the rampant selling of fake vaccine cards to unvaccinated commuters by two barkers amounting to P500.00 along Apelo Cruz Street.
Policemen immediately proceeded to the area and saw the suspects while in possession of fake vaccine cards being offered to unvaccinated commuters in exchange for a fee.
Aside from fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, lawmen recovered from the suspects a cellular phone containing messages regarding their illegal transactions.
“Ako po ay nakikiusap sa mga taong ito na sinasamantala ang sitwasyon ng ating mga kababayan upang kumita, itigil na po natin ang ganitong gawain dahil ito po ay pinagbabawal ng ating batas, bagkus ay tulungan ninyo ang inyong kapulisan upang ipatupad ang striktong health and safety protocols nang sa ganun ay huminto na ang paglaganap ng nakakahawang panibagong variant na Omicron,” Macaraeg said in his statement.
