The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is closely watching the activities of syndicates forging endorsement papers issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to allow the entry of foreign nationals.
Aliens are temporarily banned from travelling to the country due to the corona virus pandemic concern.
The DFA, however, issues visa to very few foreigners for meritorious and humanitarian reasons like visiting sick relatives.
"We received intelligence reports that syndicates are manufacturing fake DFA endorsement to allow entry of restricted aliens," BI Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed.
He mentioned a foreign seafarer who checked in at a Metro Manila hotel upon disembarking using a fake endorsement, instead of going directly to the airport to board his flight back home.
Presently, only Filipinos and their spouses are allowed entry as well as children with special needs and foreign parents of minor Filipino children.
Morente reminded eligible foreigners to secure visas from the Philippine Embassy or consulate before flying into the country.