In accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order to strengthen border security and fight human trafficking, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reported on Friday afternoon the recent interception of a married couple who tried to depart the country using a fake Netherlands visa.

Immigration Commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado stated that the Bureau remains committed to defending our country's borders against scammers and syndicates who take advantage of our fellow Filipinos.

The BI Chief added that their officers are well-trained to detect fraudulent travel documents. They warn the public against unscrupulous groups offering fake visas. These schemes not only waste hard-earned money but also put travelers at risk of legal consequences.

Mary Jane Hizon, chief of Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement (I-PROBES), reported that the couple, who are 26 and 28, tried to board a Cathay Pacific flight bound for Amsterdam by claiming to be tourists. But, the immigration officer noticed a questionable detail on their Netherlands visa and referred them to the BI duty supervisor for further verification of their visas.

Following a comprehensive analysis conducted by the BI Forensic Documents Laboratory, the Bureau verified that the visas presented by the Filipino couple were fake. The passengers also acknowledged that they paid P268,000 for their trip, including the fake visa, when questioned.

Atty. Viado disclosed that the BI remains vigilant against immigration fraud, adding that individuals caught using falsified documents will face strict legal consequences.

The couple was referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation.