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Counterfeit CFO Certificates Used In Human Trafficking - Immigration Bureau
Photo credit: Immigration PH
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of counterfeit Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) certificates, which are being used as part of a new trafficking trend.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed that immigration officers have encountered numerous cases where fake CFO Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) certificates were presented during immigration inspections.
The CFO's GCP is a mandatory pre-departure seminar designed to provide Filipinos in intermarriages and bi-national relationships with essential information about the cultural and social realities they may face abroad. The certificates serve as proof that individuals have attended the GCP and are eligible to travel overseas.
On June 16, officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 apprehended a 29-year-old woman bound for Pudong, China, after she presented a counterfeit CFO GCP certificate. The woman was traveling with her alleged Chinese husband. Verification with the CFO confirmed that the presented certificate was indeed fake.
This incident follows a warning issued by the BI in May after two victims were intercepted on separate occasions for possessing fraudulent CFO certificates. Commissioner Tansingco believes that this emerging trend aims to exploit Filipinas, potentially subjecting them to work in scam call centers, become mail-order brides, or engage in illegal surrogacy.
"We believe that this is an emerging trafficking trend, victimizing Filipinas to possibly work in scam call centers, as mail-order brides, or as illegal surrogates," said Commissioner Tansingco. "Hence, we are issuing a warning against Filipinos against this scheme," he added.
Commissioner Tansingco further revealed that those caught with fake certificates had reportedly obtained them through online fixers. He emphasized that the creation of a shared information system between the BI and the CFO would prevent schemes like this from going undetected.
"We are confident that with the establishment of a shared information system between the BI and the CFO, schemes like this will not be able to pass through," warned Commissioner Tansingco.
The BI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the issuance or presentation of fake CFO certificates to help combat this emerging trafficking trend.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed that immigration officers have encountered numerous cases where fake CFO Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) certificates were presented during immigration inspections.
The CFO's GCP is a mandatory pre-departure seminar designed to provide Filipinos in intermarriages and bi-national relationships with essential information about the cultural and social realities they may face abroad. The certificates serve as proof that individuals have attended the GCP and are eligible to travel overseas.
On June 16, officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 apprehended a 29-year-old woman bound for Pudong, China, after she presented a counterfeit CFO GCP certificate. The woman was traveling with her alleged Chinese husband. Verification with the CFO confirmed that the presented certificate was indeed fake.
This incident follows a warning issued by the BI in May after two victims were intercepted on separate occasions for possessing fraudulent CFO certificates. Commissioner Tansingco believes that this emerging trend aims to exploit Filipinas, potentially subjecting them to work in scam call centers, become mail-order brides, or engage in illegal surrogacy.
"We believe that this is an emerging trafficking trend, victimizing Filipinas to possibly work in scam call centers, as mail-order brides, or as illegal surrogates," said Commissioner Tansingco. "Hence, we are issuing a warning against Filipinos against this scheme," he added.
Commissioner Tansingco further revealed that those caught with fake certificates had reportedly obtained them through online fixers. He emphasized that the creation of a shared information system between the BI and the CFO would prevent schemes like this from going undetected.
"We are confident that with the establishment of a shared information system between the BI and the CFO, schemes like this will not be able to pass through," warned Commissioner Tansingco.
The BI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the issuance or presentation of fake CFO certificates to help combat this emerging trafficking trend.
Jun 19, 2023
