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

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.