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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI raises alarm over fake immigration stamps on passports

BI raises alarm over fake immigration stamps on passports

Published Nov 1, 2024 07:41 am

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) expressed alarm over the widespread use of fake immigration stamps on passports of departing Filipinos.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado cited the case of a Filipina who was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Oct. 27 due to a fake immigration stamp on her passport.

“It’s alarming to observe that this scheme remains widespread,” Viado said.

He said the intercepted Filipina, whose name was withheld, claimed that she was a former Filipino overseas worker (OFW) and was travelling to Macau as a tourist.

During interrogation, Viado said that the Filipina revealed that she was to work in Macau and was promised easy immigration and document assistance through Facebook.  He also said the Filipina was unaware that it involved affixing a fake departure stamp on her passport. 

“The BI’s forensic documents laboratory confirmed that the stamp presented was indeed counterfeit,” he said.

“While these offers might seem enticing to unsuspecting victims, any assurance of success with minimal effort should raise immediate red flags,” Viado warned.

The BI said the victim has been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance in the filing of cases against her recruiters.

 

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