Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco claimed that fake or bogus documents remain circulating.

Following receipt of the report from the BI’s Anti-Fraud Section, which detailed the examination of 241 fraudulent and counterfeit documents for the year 2023, Tansingco issued the statement.

He said that the BI’s forensic documents laboratory evaluated several questioned documents, including passports, visas, and immigration stamps used for foreign travel, as well as birth and marriage certificates used for visa applications.

The BI chief expressed regret over the ongoing spread of forged documents, claiming that the majority originate from “fixers” who guarantee expedited processing of applicants’ paperwork.

Tansingco warned the public that the BI has modern equipment on par with other immigration agencies worldwide that can detect fraud.

He also shared that they have procured three new video spectral comparators, which are used for advanced forensic-level document examination and can be used to check travel and identity documents, including passports, ID cards, visas, and permits.

Another two were earlier donated by the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Embassy.

“Apart from our immigration officers, who are skilled in detecting fraud, fake documents can already be detected by our modern equipment,” said Tansingco. “Those who attempt to use spurious documents will be intercepted,” he added.