Davao city: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) conducted a raid on five establishments along Quezon Boulevard, Davao City, for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake license plates.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation led to the seizure of 64 fake plates and the arrest of six individuals. The establishments raided were identified as Pogz Art and Sign, Eschat Art and Sign Tailoring, Sticker Art and Sign, WMT Printing Services, and Magnorms Advertising Services.

Authorities confiscated computers, machine tools, and other equipment used in producing counterfeit plates, including hammers, cutters, steel plates, sticker cutters, plain sheets, and improved flat screws used for molding. The operation was led by personnel from the LTO Field Enforcement Division and Law Enforcement Service, in coordination with the PNP-CIDG, PNP - Regional Intelligence Division (Davao Region), and Davao City Police.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao emphasized the agency's directive to identify and hold accountable those who manufacture and sell fake plates, not just those who use them. Lacanilao stated, "We are not only apprehending those who use fake plates. We are trying to find out where these are made and who is profiting from this illegal business."

The arrested individuals were taken to the Davao City Police Station for documentation and disposition, while the confiscated equipment and other evidence were inventoried for proper handling. The LTO is preparing to file charges for violations related to falsification and the manufacturing and possession of implements for falsification, as well as violations under the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

The agency also reminded motorists not to buy or use fake plates, including those that imitate official LTO plates.