The Department of Foreign Affairs reminded passport applicants to be careful and avoid fixers following the arrest of more than 20 persons selling passport appointment slots in separate entrapment operations.
According to police reports, the 23 fixers were identified as Nenita Ugalde, 63; Noelito Ventura, 46; Marlon Narvaez, 35; Amalia Tagarilo, 44; Marilyn Tabay, 52; Michael Montel, 42; Alejandra Sacdalan, 48; Jonathan Tagarino, 46; Yolanda Villanueva, 45; Gina Carbon, 47; Maila Caluya, 47; Ligaya Banares, 63; Zaldy Pelonia, 52;
Lilia Felix, 54; Roselyn Oliveros, 28; Rosalinda Zamora, 40; Criza Mae Castor, 24; Aileen Casita, 51; Marivic Arojo, 33; Mark Justine Doromal, 29; Ricardo Rojas, 50; Vilma Evite, 46; and Evangeline Soriano, 52.
Southern Police District director Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario said the suspects were apprehended in separate operations at ASEANA, Parañaque City; Libertad, Pasay City; and Gate 3 Plaza in Taguig City.
Apolinario added that the operations were conducted by policemen who pretended to be passport applicants. He said this is a result of a long-standing surveillance work where various DFA offices are being monitored in Metro Manila since Feb. 15.
The surveillance was made at the request of the DFA after they were informed that there are fixers selling their passport appointment slots in exchange for cash payments. (Roy C. Mabasa)
