The National Bureau of Investigation has launched a full-force assault against fraudsters, corrupt officials, and counterfeit syndicates—and at the center of the crackdown is NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag, who is making it clear: the law will strike hard and without mercy.

In a series of aggressive operations that shook government offices and underground networks alike, the NBI exposed a web of corruption involving fraudulent birth registrations, a fake notary operation, and a multi-million-peso counterfeit electronics racket.

And according to Matibag, this is only the beginning.

⸻AKE FILIPINO IDENTITIES EXPOSED

In one of the most alarming discoveries, the NBI–Central Mindanao Regional Office (CEMRO) uncovered a massive birth certificate fraud scheme inside the Local Civil Registry Offices of Pikit and Aleosan in North Cotabato.

Investigators found that local civil registry officials, staff members, and even a retired registrar allegedly worked together to manufacture fake birth certificates for foreign nationals—most of them reportedly of Chinese origin.

Using falsified documents and bypassing legal safeguards, these individuals were able to secure late registrations of Certificates of Live Birth (COLB)—essentially creating fake Filipino identities out of thin air.

Even more disturbing, some of the records were reportedly “ready-made” birth certificates, issued without proper verification.

Authorities believe the scheme was fueled by bribes and illicit payments, turning what should have been a government safeguard into a citizenship factory for foreigners.

The scale of the problem is staggering.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has flagged more than 50,000 potentially fraudulent birth records nationwide, with over 1,600 registry offices under scrutiny.

For Director Matibag, the implications go beyond corruption.

“This is not just fraud—this is a national security issue,” Matibag stressed.

Criminal charges now recommended include violations of the Civil Register Law (RA 3753), Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), Code of Conduct for Public Officials (RA 6713), falsification of public documents, and perjury.

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FAKE NOTARY BUSTED IN LAS PIÑAS

In another dramatic operation, the NBI Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) arrested a suspect running a bogus notarial service in Las Piñas City.

Operating under the name “Rush Online Notary Service,” the suspect allegedly used the name and credentials of a legitimate lawyer to notarize documents for unsuspecting clients.

The scam was exposed after the real lawyer reported the fraud to authorities.

On March 18, 2026, NBI agents launched an entrapment operation and caught the suspect in the act of performing notarial duties while impersonating a lawyer.

Authorities say the operation exploited social media messaging platforms to attract victims seeking quick document processing.

The suspect now faces a barrage of charges, including:

• Falsification of Public Documents (Articles 171 & 172)
• Possession of Instruments for Falsification (Article 176)
• Usurpation of Authority (Article 177)
• Estafa by Means of Deceit (Article 315)

All in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).

The case has already been filed before the Las Piñas City Prosecutor’s Office.

Director Matibag delivered a blunt warning:

“The NBI will not tolerate individuals who undermine the notarial process and deceive the public for personal gain.”

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₱31-M COUNTERFEIT TECH SMASHED IN MANILA

Meanwhile, in Manila, NBI agents struck another blow—this time against counterfeit electronics flooding the market.

A coordinated raid led by the NBI-NCR seized over ₱31.4 million worth of fake data storage devices during operations in Quiapo and San Miguel.

Authorities confiscated thousands of counterfeit products, including:

• SD and microSD memory cards
• USB flash drives
• External hard drives

All falsely branded under global tech giants such as:

SANDISK
SANDISK ULTRA
EXTREME PRO
SEAGATE

In total, agents seized:

• 5,474 counterfeit memory cards and flash drives worth ₱23.3 million
• 1,124 fake 2TB and 4TB external hard drives worth ₱8.09 million

These substandard products pose serious risks to consumers while damaging the reputation of legitimate brands.

Those behind the illegal trade now face charges for Trademark Infringement under the Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293).

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MATIBAG: “THE NBI WILL NOT BACK DOWN”

For Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, the message is clear.

From fake Filipino identities to fraudulent legal services and counterfeit electronics, the NBI is tightening the net on criminals exploiting government systems and unsuspecting citizens.

“The NBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our institutions and safeguarding the Filipino people,” Matibag declared.

With investigations expanding nationwide, authorities warn that more arrests and charges may soon follow.

One thing is certain:

Under Matibag’s watch, the NBI is sending a thunderous message to criminals—
No fraud, no deception, and no syndicate will escape the long arm of the law.

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