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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider BI opens first anti-fraud section laboratory in Mindanao at Davao Int'l Airport

BI opens first anti-fraud section laboratory in Mindanao at Davao Int'l Airport

Published Mar 21, 2024 01:42 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Immigration opened its first anti-fraud section laboratory in Mindanao at the Davao International Airport here on Thursday, March 21.

BI AFS.jpg

AN immigration officer demonstrates the Video Spectral Comparator to Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Magno during the launching of the anti-fraud laboratory at the Davao International Airport in Davao City on Thursday, March 21. (Keith Bacongco)

BI chief Norman Tansingco, who graced the launching, said the establishment of the document examination laboratory at the airport is vital in the government’s campaign against human trafficking, border security, and counter-terrorism.

While the laboratory is a vital tool, Tansingco underscored the importance of having well-trained BI personnel in the country’s entry points.

He added that fraud detection is still in the hands of the immigration officers since they are the ones who would be the first to detect if documents are questionable.

“This equipment will just validate or confirm what our immigration officers have spotted using their skills,” the BI chief pointed out.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Magno lauded the BI for putting up the laboratory at the Davao International Airport, saying that it saves time in examining the travel documents.

Magno added that the laboratory will further enhance the capability of the BI in ensuring the safety and security of the region.

Marivic Beltrano, acting AFS chief, said their unit was established in partnership with Australian government in 2004 in response to the increasing concerns on illegal migration, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Beltrano added that the Australian government provided two sets of laboratory equipment under its Counter-Terrorism Assistance Package.

From 2018 to 2023, she said, the AFS recorded a total of 66,186 document referrals, 2,473 of which have been found as fraudulent and counterfeit travel documents.

With the laboratory in DIA, Beltrano said that it hastens the processing of the documents since they don't need to send the documents to Manila anymore.

"This document examination laboratory in Davao Airport embodies our commitment to secure our borders, especially in Mindanao, by modernizing tools to detect fraud," she added.

Related Tags

Davao International Airport Anti-Fraud Section Laboratory Davao City Bureau of Immigration
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