Authorities are investigating a potential national security breach after a Chinese national was apprehended in Manila for allegedly acquiring a Philippine driver’s license under a Filipino name, raising concerns over identity concealment and possible misuse of official documents.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Acting Secretary Markus Lacanilao revealed during a press briefing on Friday, November 28, that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended the individual earlier this week. While the driver’s license presented by the suspect was legitimate, records show that it was obtained through irregular means.

“Ang concern doon yung pinakikita nyang driver’s license ay Filipino name, although legitimate yung driver’s license pero based sa record ay hindi sya dumaan sa tamang proseso,” Lacanilao said.

“Medyo seryoso ito kasi may national security concern ito. Na ganoon na ang ginagawa nila, hindi na sila gumagamit ng Chinese name to acquire driver’s license, gumagamit na sila ng Filipino name at kino-conceal na nila ang sarili nila,” he added.

Lacanilao explained that the individual acquired a non-professional license without first holding a student license, and that this was not a simple conversion of a foreign license.

Investigations showed that the issuing office in the National Capital Region (NCR) allegedly allowed the license to be issued under irregular circumstances. A show-cause order has been issued to the office head.

Further checks revealed the suspect possesses two separate driver’s licenses under different names. “Meron itong administrative case, tinitignan din namin yung criminal liability nila kasi hindi ito biro,” Lacanilao said.

Authorities are pursuing both administrative and potential criminal cases against the suspect and are urging stricter vigilance in the issuance of official documents, emphasizing the national security risks posed by identity concealment and misuse.