A 66-year-old woman was arrested at Manila City Hall after allegedly attempting to process a business permit using forged government documents, authorities said.
The suspect was apprehended in Ermita by joint operatives from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Manila Police District-Special Manila Reaction Team (MPD-SMaRT).
The incident occurred at the Bureau of Permits when alert personnel flagged suspicious documentation during routine processing.
Upon verifying that the papers were falsified, staff immediately alerted the police.
According to investigators, a 52-year-old office employee paid the suspect ₱28,000 to expedite the issuance of a business permit.
The employee later identified the suspect as the person who supplied the fraudulent paperwork.
Police recovered a questionable Electronic Official Receipt bearing the City Treasurer’s Office header, which was seized as evidence.
Following her arrest, the suspect suffered a sudden spike in blood pressure and lost consciousness.
Local disaster response personnel administered first aid on-site before transporting her to a nearby hospital for medico-legal clearance prior to formal booking.
Law enforcement officials are finalizing charges for the falsification of public documents, which will be submitted to the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano warned the public against engaging in illegal fixing and using forged government documents.
“Falsifying or facilitating the use of fraudulent government documents is a serious offense,” Abrahano said in a statement.
“We will continue to act on reports of individuals who attempt to undermine legitimate government processes for personal gain. There is no place for fraudulent transactions in public service,” added Abrahano.
