Stop using altered visa, Pinoys told

Philippine Ambassador to Russia King Sorreta has warned Filipinos against using altered visa as it can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment.

In a Facebook post, Sorreta said they are currently accommodating a Filipino who attempted to exit Russia in an airport in Moscow but her visa was allegedly found to altered.

The involved Filipino is now under investigation for violations of the Criminal Code of Russia and may face at least a two-year sentence.

“We would like to reiterate our appeal to our Kababayans not to violate Russian laws in their desire to stay or travel to Russia. We also once again call on Filipinos to stop exploiting and victimizing their fellow Filipinos,” the ambassador said.

Sorreta added: “Using a fake or altered visa, in particular, is a serious criminal offense and it is increasingly becoming difficult to portray Filipinos who knowingly purchase such visas as innocent victims under Russian law.”

Sorreta said that Philippine Embassy representatives are currently attending to the case and actively coordinating with the concerned Russian court to allow the Embassy to take custody of the involved Filipino while the investigation is underway.

He said the Court has allowed the Embassy to do so but with strict conditions of confinement.

The accused Filipino is currently at the Embassy shelter and the representatives said they are hoping that the Court will allow them to continue having him in its custody during the formal filing of charges and while facing trial.

“The Philippine Embassy has issued several appeals and advisories asking Filipinos in Russia or planning to work in Russia not to use illegal visa agents and to follow Philippine and Russian laws,” he said.

Sorreta also reminded Filipinos who are planning to work in the said country to remember President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark during his event with the Filipino community in Russia last 5 October 2016.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte repeatedly implored all Filipinos in Russia or planning to work in Russia to strictly follow and not to violate the laws of Russia,” the ambassador emphasized.