The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has widened its search for illegal aliens in the country by verifying a list of 100 alleged fake companies which are reportedly engaged in the submission of spurious documents for foreigners to obtain visas.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the BI has relayed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla its initial report on the 100 companies.  The names of the companies were not disclosed in the BI statement.

“We have relayed the initial findings to the SOJ (secretary of justice) last October. This is a continuing audit, and have already initiated the cancellation of the visas for those aliens petitioned by fake companies,” Tansingco said.

“We are one with the DOJ in our mutual desire to put an end to illicit practices that abuse the visa issuance system and likewise see the need to reorganize the way the Philippine government issues visas to foreign nationals both in and out the country,” he said.

The verification and audit of the 100 companies were a result of the massive raids by law enforcement agencies which uncovered scam hubs and prostitution dens, he also said.

Tansingco said that he has ordered the immediate blacklisting of foreign nationals petitioned by the “fake companies” which are operating outside the Philippines. For companies in the Philippines, he said their officials and executive were ordered to leave and have been included in the BI’s blacklist, he said.

He also said the accreditation of liaison officers who attempt to submit applications petitioned by “fake companies” may be revoked.

“This serves as a warning that we will not tolerate falsification of any kind. We are serious in our intent to rid the country of illegal aliens, and we will continue to run after those who attempt to coddle such violators,” he stressed.