Davao City – A 50-year-old Filipino passenger was apprehended at Davao International Airport for presenting falsified identification documents during the check-in process. The arrest was carried out by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) on April 28, 2026, under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes falsification by private individuals and the use of forged documents.
According to a press release from the AVSEGROUP Public Information Office, the incident unfolded when airline personnel detected irregularities in the passenger’s Barangay Identification Card and Birth Certificate. Upon further verification with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it was confirmed that the documents had been tampered with.
Tampered Documents Confirmed
- The Barangay Identification Card was found to belong to the suspect’s son, with the suspect replacing the original photograph with his own.
- Coordination with the issuing barangay office verified that the ID was legitimately issued to the son and bore the signature of the Punong Barangay.
- The Birth Certificate presented also showed inconsistencies, leading to its invalidation.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the confirmation of document falsification, the suspect was arrested and brought to the Davao International Airport Police Station. Authorities informed him of the charges and his constitutional rights.
The suspect is set to undergo a medical examination at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. Meanwhile, the necessary documents are being prepared for the filing of formal charges against him.
Statement from PNP AVSEGROUP
PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., Director of the PNP AVSEGROUP, emphasized the importance of vigilance in airport security. “This arrest underscores the importance of vigilant scrutiny at our airports in preventing the use of falsified documents and ensuring that our aviation gateways remain secure and lawful,” he stated.
The incident highlights the critical role of airport personnel and law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of travel documentation and ensuring the safety of passengers.