Cops to go after makers, sellers of fake vaccination cards

CEBU, Philippines —  Cops to go after fake vax cards’ makers, sellers

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Director Albert Ignatius Ferro has instructed, not only its office in the city, but the entire region to look into the production, sale and use of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.

This was relayed by the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center deputy chief implementer and City Councilor Joel Garganera yesterday.

Garganera said he discussed this matter with Ferro already, resulting in the latter instructing Cebu City and regional police offices to go after the makers, sellers and users of fake documents, including vaccination cards.

“So dili lang ni kay they will be going after those producing these fake documents, but also to those who are using these fake documents.Kay kun walay demand, wala man ni sila..It takes two to tango, kanang nipalit, kanang nag-gamit, kailangan pud na sila dakpon sad,” said Garganera.

Earlier, CIDG-7’s chief, Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, had urged the public to report the selling of vaccination slots and cards to the agency after receiving reports regarding this.

Garganera also disclosed that other local government units are also looking into how to detect fake vaccine cards as they gear up to easing out travel restrictions to fully vaccinated individuals.

Aside from that, Garganera also said that they are going to endorse to the acting mayor the inclusion of the saliva testing apart from the RT-PCR or antigen tests as a requirement for in-bound travelers to Cebu City.

Garganera said they are also looking for cheaper alternatives for travelers.

It was learned that some of the country’s major tourist destinations have also accepted the negative saliva test results in lieu of the RT-PCR test. — KQD (FREEMAN)