The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has strengthened its efforts to fight fraudulent passport applications by tying up with other government agencies.
DFA on Tuesday, Nov. 5, led the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on Operation Sentinel with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), National Bureau of Immigration (NBI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and representatives from coordinating agencies, Philippine Center for Transnational Center (PCTC) and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
According to DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, the MOU would enable agencies to improve data sharing efficiency and develop interoperable systems.
The MOU would also ensure prompt coordinated responses and institute the necessary checks and balances, he added.
Domingo said the signed document is a powerful testament to a strengthened, whole-of-government approach in tackling the issue of fraudulent passport applications and illegal acquisitions of passports by foreign nationals.
After the signing ceremony, Domingo and DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz convened a meeting, where the different member agencies discussed measures being undertaken by each agency in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent passport applications.