4 nabbed for using fake COVID-19 antigen test results to enter Ilocos Norte

Four people were arrested in Badoc, Ilocos Norte for attempting to enter the province by presenting falsified COVID-19 antigen test results.

According to Cedric Castillo’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, the suspects were arrested at the border checkpoint after authorities learned that the test results they provided were fake.

The men were headed for the town of Pasuquin to install aluminum glass.

Badoc Police said a total of 26 people have already been arrested for presenting fake antigen test results.

“Pambihira naman. Imbes na makatulong sila ay dumagdag pa sila sa problema. Patuloy nating pinapaalalahanan ang ating mga pulis na maging metikuloso sa pagche-check,” Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Lieutenant General Cesar Binag said.

In Boracay, six tourists who used fake swab test results to enter the island were immediately sent to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

“Isa-swab test natin. Iimbestigahan natin, tutuloy natin ‘yung pag-conduct ng investigation para sampahan ng mga charges,” acting provincial director Police Colonel Esmeraldo Osia said.

A computer shop owner said several customers have come to him to ask for help in editing COVID-19 test results.

“May mga na-encounter kasi ako na may dala silang result ng COVID-19, so nagpapa-edit ng either date o kaya minsan, ‘yung name o apelyido. Ang sinasabi nila, kasi nagkamali raw ‘yung gumawa,” he said.

“Lagi ko lang po sinasabi sa kanila na, ‘Sir/Ma’am, kuha po tayo ng legal kasi maselan na document ‘yan.’ May nagagalit, naiinis. Hindi sila kumuha nang ayos at ‘di ko alam, positive sila or whatever, ay kawawa naman siya at kawawa rin ‘yung mga taong makakasalamuha pa niya,” he added.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News