MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on July 8 arrested a man for distributing fake Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) licenses, following an entrapment operation conducted at a mall in Manila.

Agents from the NBI-Cavite North District Office (CAVIDO North), under the supervision of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), arrested suspect Eddie Bayotas Pleje after he was caught handing over falsified documents—including a CAAP license and a certification as pilot and aircraft mechanic—to a poseur-customer, in exchange for marked money.

The operation stemmed from a request by CAAP’s Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), which flagged the NBI about the rising online sale of counterfeit CAAP licenses.

According to CAAP, the fraudulent scheme allows individuals or groups to obtain licenses without undergoing proper training or meeting regulatory requirements, posing a significant risk to aviation safety and national security.

Following the arrest, Pleje was brought to the NBI-CAVIDO North office for booking procedures. He was later presented for inquest before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of:

• Article 172 paragraphs 1 and 2 (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC),
• Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and
• Article 315 paragraph 2(a) of the RPC (Estafa through False Pretenses).

Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the fake licensing operation, which CAAP warns could lead to aviation accidents due to unqualified individuals operating aircraft.