July 15, 2024 - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ramping up its campaign against "fake Filipinos" in collaboration with other government agencies. Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized the importance of taking a proactive stance to prevent foreigners from obtaining Philippine documents illegally.
"This is a national security concern that needs immediate attention," Tansingco stressed in a statement. "[We] must be thorough in our approach to prevent the misuse of Philippine documents."
Following the discovery of nearly 200 fake birth certificates issued in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, mostly to Chinese nationals, the BI has requested assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to acquire details on those involved.
Additionally, the BI is seeking data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on individuals who availed of the late registration scheme and received birth certificates. This information will be cross-checked against passport issuance records to identify potential discrepancies.
Tansingco commended the efforts of lawmakers and local law enforcement in addressing the "fake Filipino" problem. He highlighted the risk of foreign nationals abusing Philippine documents obtained through fraudulent means, potentially engaging in terrorism, serious crimes, or fraud.
"These individuals can manipulate the system and integrate themselves into society while conducting illegal activities," Tansingco explained. "Once they have Filipino documents, they essentially fall outside the scope of our monitoring of foreigners."
The BI chief expressed concern about the potential for "fake Filipinos" to participate in elections or seamlessly blend into society for malicious purposes. The bureau's intensified efforts aim to prevent such scenarios and safeguard national security.