Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said on Monday that foreigners who obtain Philippine documents are a grave issue of national security.
In a statement, Tansingco said they are working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to suppress the misuse of the Philippine documents obtained by foreign nationals.
BI's hunt began when 10 foreign nationals were caught possessing falsified Philippine documents last year. Since then, more people who have questionable late registrations have emerged and have been caught.
Since 2016, 1,200 foreigners believed to be Chinese nationals, were able to obtain birth certificates through late registration in the town of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
BI states that the foreign nationals who were able to illegally acquire foundational documents such as birth certificates, were also qualified to apply for other succeeding papers such as driver's licenses and other forms of identification. Consequently, such documents can be used by foreigners for fraud, terrorism, and other forms of crimes.
If the fraudulent activity prevails, illegal aliens will be given the privilege to vote and easily blend themselves into Philippine society while engaging in illegal activities.
“Once they present themselves as Filipinos, they are already removed from the purview of the BI which monitors foreigners. Apart from this, they can present layers and layers of Philippine documents, all original, pushing for their claim,” Tansingco remarked.
