BI cites arrest of 3 persons for 'falsifying departure stamps'
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has commended its officials for the successful arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in falsifying departure stamps as it cited their efforts in safeguarding the country's borders.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that the three individuals were arrested last Feb. 14 by members of the Manila International Airport Authority Airport Police Department (MIAA-APD).
Those arrested became the subject of entrapment operations after victimizing Filipino trafficking victims, Viado said.
"We will not allow criminal syndicates to undermine our immigration system and put people at risk," he stressed.
The BI said a syndicate reportedly charged as much as P120,000 to its victims by impressing a fake immigration departure stamp to facilitate their illegal departure from the country. This will allegedly allow them to work as tourists abroad, it said.
But verification by the BI’s forensic documents laboratory confirmed that the stamps used for two female victims on Jan. 1 and 21 were indeed counterfeit.
Viado expressed gratitude to the MIAA-APD for its swift action, which resulted in their arrest. "This successful operation is a testament to the importance of collaboration in law enforcement. We will continue to pursue those who exploit our citizens and undermine immigration procedures," he said.