Immigration bureau warns tricksters it can detect fake DFA endorsements

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday warned scammers that it can detect fake Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) endorsements.

BI issued this notice after receiving intelligence reports that syndicates are planning to use fake DFA endorsements to facilitate the entry of people temporarily barred from the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To recall, DFA suspended in March the issuance of visas although it may exempt those covered by the suspension on “very meritorious or humanitarian grounds.”

“We have received intelligence reports with pictures that these syndicates are trying to falsify these documents to allow the entry of those currently restricted,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.

“Don’t even try. We have a smooth verification process with other government agencies that makes it easier to confirm if the document you will present is a fake,” he added.

Morente also cited an alleged attempt of a shipping agency to falsify a DFA endorsement for a seafarer who disembarked early and wanted to stay in a hotel upon arrival instead of proceeding directly to his outbound flight.

According to Morente, DFA and BI suspended the processing of all applications of the concerned shipping agency, with the BI moving to blacklist the company from transacting with the bureau.

“Currently, only Filipinos, their spouse and minor children are allowed to enter the country holding tourist visas. Foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parents of minor Filipinos, and foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs are likewise allowed to enter the country,” he said.

Morente then reminded those who are eligible to enter the country that they are required to secure an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates prior to their arrival.

Meanwhile, accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents, foreign airline crew members, foreign seafarers with 9(c) visas, and foreigners with long-term visas are also allowed to enter the country, he added.

KGA