BI arrests basketball player with fake passport
MANILA, Philippines — A professional basketball player was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for attempting to enter the country with a fake Philippine passport.
In a statement on Wednesday, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 36-year-old Avery Roberto Scharer, who was arrested upon arrival on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1.
Tansingco said that Scharer had just arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Canada when he presented to the immigration officer at the arrival area both his American and Philippine passports, but the BI officer noticed significant discrepancies and irregularities in his Philippine passport.
This prompted him to refer the travel document to his supervisor, who endorsed the same to the bureau’s forensic documents laboratory for examination — which then issued a certification confirming its findings that the Philippine passport presented by Scharer was fraudulent.
He allegedly posted on social media that immigration authorities wrongfully detained him upon his arrival at the NAIA.
“Our forensic equipment confirmed the suspicion of our officers,” said Tansingco.
“The Philippine passport he presented contained tampered pages, including the biographical data page. His attempt to conceal these alterations cannot escape the scrutiny of our inspectors. Posting false information on social media to gain sympathy despite the violation further manifests undesirability. There are no sacred cows, as any foreign national who have violated immigration laws and presented fake documentation will be arrested,” he added.
Scharer was then handed over to the BI legal division for an investigation on the grounds of using a fake immigration document and violating the Philippine passport laws.
Until his case is resolved, he will remain at the BI’s detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig.
In the US and Asia, Scharer reportedly participated in several collegiates, amateur, and professional basketball leagues. In the 2015 PBA D-League Draft, Scharer was selected by the Wang’s Basketball Couriers as the fifth overall pick.
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