DFA Office of Consular Affairs Conducts Passport Training Program for TOPS Personnel

Chief Leynet V. Aguila discussed the topic “Document Fraud Detection and Signature Verification” during the Passport Training Program for TOPS Personnel” on 11 November 2023 at Citadines Bay City Manila. (Photo courtesy of Office of Consular Affairs)

MANILA 29 November 2023 – The Passport Division of the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) conducted a training workshop for the Temporary Off-site Passport Services (TOPS) personnel entitled, “Passport Training Program for TOPS Personnel” on 11 November 2023 at Citadines Bay City Manila, Pasay City. The event enhanced the capacity of frontline processors to detect and evaluate fraudulent documents submitted for passport application. 

The morning session of the training program, conducted by Ms. Leynet V. Aguila, Chief of the Questioned Document Examination Division of the PNP Forensic Group, covered basic procedures for document fraud detection, methods for signature and handwriting verification, along with techniques for identification of identity documents’ authenticity. 

The afternoon session of the training program, facilitated by the Unit Heads from the OCA-Passport Division, discussed updated passport regulations and policies, documentary requirements for both adult and minor applications, assessment standards for Philippine citizenship verification, and special cases frequently referred by TOPS sites to corresponding Supervising Consular Offices (SCOs). Thereafter, the lectures were followed by simulation exercises.

OCA Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Arman R. Talbo highlighted that the TOPS has contributed 609,493 total passports processed, accounting for 22% of all passports issued from the period of January until October 2023. He added that TOPS personnel play a vital role in the delivery of efficient and effective passport services. He emphasized to the participants that they should perform their duties with integrity, excellence, efficiency, and utmost respect to the public.

The training is part of OCA’s program to further improve and strengthen the competence of its frontline personnel especially in preventing fraudulent applications. END.

From left: PNP Forensic Group Mr. Giorgio M. Piamonte, Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs Passport Division Acting Director Von Ryan G. Pangwi, PNP Forensic Group Chief Leynet V. Aguila, Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Arman R. Talbo, PNP Forensic Group Ms. Marife P. Abonitalla, and PNP Forensic Group Ms. Anna Marie O. Mangui, together with TOPS personnel (Photo courtesy of Office of Consular Affairs)