Authorities have shut down an alleged illegal Land Transportation Office (LTO) facility in Malasiqui, Pangasinan following a joint operation that uncovered the issuance of fake student driver’s permits.

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with the LTO and Pangasinan police, raided the facility located in Sitio Pugo, Barangay Binalay. Officials said the office had been operating for about two months and was posing as a legitimate LTO district office.

Investigators found that the establishment displayed official-looking signage bearing logos of the LTO, LTFRB, and MMDA. Inside, authorities seized application forms and documents used in processing student permits.

NBI Region 1 Director, Atty. Victor John Paul Ronquillo, said the operation confirmed their suspicions.

“We conducted surveillance doon sa lugar and upon entrapment operation talagang naisyu-han ng permit ‘yung aplikante natin,” he said.

The LTO also warned the public after confirming that all documents issued by the office were fake.

“Lahat ng ini-isyu nila peke ‘yung resibo ay malayong-malayo sa resibo na ibinibigay namin sa LTO,” LTO Region 1 Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez said.

Despite the raid, the establishment’s owner insisted the business was legitimate and claimed to have authority to operate.

“Bakit ninyo ako aarestuhin eh asawa ako ng kapitan, alam ito ni kapitan, bilang asawa ng kapitan may karapatan naman siguro kaming magtayo ng establishment dito, pina-process na ang mga documents namin,” the owner said.

However, relatives of the barangay chairman denied any involvement in the operation, saying the official had repeatedly warned his wife to stop the illegal activities. They also clarified that no permit had been issued by the barangay for the business.

Malasiqui Mayor Alfe Soriano said the local government was unaware of the operation, which reportedly began in February 2026.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa NBI at LTO kasi at least nasawata nila ‘yung iligal na gawain dito,” he said.

Authorities are now preparing charges against those behind the operation. The LTO urged the public to transact only with legitimate district offices when processing student permits, driver’s licenses, and vehicle registrations.