DFA Leads Signing of MOU to Combat Passport Fraud
MANILA 17 October 2024 - The Department of Foreign Affairs led the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding among different government agencies on 16 October 2024, to further strengthen cooperation in combating fraudulent passport applications.
Officials from the DFA, 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), signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on Operation Sentinel.
DFA Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo highlighted that the MOU would enable agencies to improve data sharing efficiency, develop interoperable systems, ensure prompt coordinated responses, and institute the necessary checks and balances. He further remarked that 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, Undersecretary Domingo and Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz convened the 8th ICPI Meeting where the different member agencies discussed measures being undertaken by each agency in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent passport applications.
The event concluded with the reaffirmation of the Committee’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency and quality of interagency coordination, ensuring that the integrity of the Philippine passport remains secure and protected. END
