Connect with us

News

BI seeks info from other agencies in ‘fake Filipinos’ crackdown

Published

on

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco

IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES. Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco inspects immigration counters in this undated photo. He said the BI is ready to expedite immigration procedures for Filipinos who will be repatriated from Israel amid its conflict with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. (Photo courtesy of BI via PNA)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday assured it is working with other government agencies to crack down on “fake Filipinos” or foreigners who were caught obtaining government documents to be issued to Filipinos only.

“We must be proactive and thorough in our approach to prevent the misuse of Philippine documents by foreign nationals. This is an issue of national security, and needs to be addressed immediately,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

Tansingco said he has already requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the names and other details associated with the 200 falsified birth certificates issued by the civil registry office in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

He said the BI has also sought information from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) regarding all Filipinos who availed of the late registration scheme and were subsequently issued birth certificates.

Tansingco explained the data will be cross-checked to verify if these individuals were issued or have used Philippine passports.

Earlier, the NBI discovered nearly 200 fake birth certificates, mostly issued to Chinese nationals in the town.

Meanwhile, Tansingco said the BI has intercepted another four cases of fraudulently acquired Philippine citizenship in the past week.

He also acknowledged the move of lawmakers and local law enforcement agencies to focus on resolving the ‘fake Filipinos’ problem.

Tansingco said foreigners can acquire numerous Philippine documents after illegally acquiring foundational documents such as birth certificates, which he said can be abused by foreign nationals involved in terrorism, heinous crimes, or fraud.

It would also imply that illegal aliens may end up being able to vote, or assimilate themselves in the society while conducting their illegal activities.

“Once they present themselves as a Filipino, they already removed from the purview of the BI which monitors foreigners. Apart from this, they are able to present layers and layers of Philippine documents, all original, pushing for their claim,” Tansingco added.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maria in Vancouver

Lifestyle1 month ago

Becoming Your Best Version

By Matter Laurel-Zalko As a woman, I’m constantly evolving. I’m constantly changing towards my better version each year. Actually, I’m...

Lifestyle2 months ago

The True Power of Manifestation

I truly believe in the power of our imagination and that what we believe in our lives is an actual...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

DECORATE YOUR HOME 101

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Our home interiors are an insight into our brains and our hearts. It is our own collaboration...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

Guide to Planning a Wedding in 2 Months

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Are you recently engaged and find yourself in a bit of a pickle because you and your...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

Staying Cool and Stylish this Summer

By Matte Laurel-Zalko I couldn’t agree more when the great late Ella Fitzgerald sang “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”...

Maria in Vancouver4 months ago

Ageing Gratefully and Joyfully

My 56th trip around the sun is just around the corner! Whew. Wow. Admittedly, I used to be afraid of...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

My Love Affair With Pearls

On March 18, 2023, my article, The Power of Pearls was published. In that article, I wrote about the history...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

7 Creative Ways to Propose!

Sometime in April 2022, my significant other gave me a heads up: he will be proposing to me on May...

Maria in Vancouver6 months ago

Why Eating Healthy Matters

We are what we eat, so don’t be fast, cheap, easy, or fake — we should take these words to...

Maria in Vancouver6 months ago

Maria Goes To Lapu Lapu Day Block Party!

On April 27, 2024, the Filipino community of Vancouver had its first Pinoy multi-Block Party in the most diverse neighbourhood,...