THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several government agencies on October 16 to improve collaboration in addressing fraudulent passport applications.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine National Police — along with representatives from coordinating agencies such as the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center — signed the agreement for interagency cooperation and collaboration on Operation Sentinel.
DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said the agreement would enable agencies to improve data-sharing efficiency, develop interoperable systems, ensure prompt, coordinated responses, and institute the necessary checks and balances.
He said the signed document was a powerful proof of a strengthened whole-of-government approach to tackling the issue of fraudulent passport applications and illegal passport acquisitions by foreigners.
The DFA had announced that it is implementing a “zero tolerance policy” against individuals bypassing the Philippine passport application and issuance procedures.
“The DFA is committed to upholding the security and integrity of issuing Philippine passports and assures the public that fraudulent application and acquisition of passports are referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” said the DFA.
It cited dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo’s fraudulently acquired Philippine passport, which was canceled following confirmation from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that Guo is a Chinese national.
The DFA took immediate action after receiving a certification from the NBI indicating that Alice Leal Guo’s biometrics in the Passport Database match those of the Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.
Citing Section 10 of the law, the DFA said the grounds for denial of issuance, cancellation, or imposition of restrictions on passports are fraudulent acquisition, tampering, and erroneous issuance.
“The DFA is committed to upholding the security and integrity of issuing Philippine passports and assures the public that fraudulent application and acquisition of passports are referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” it said.
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