DFA-OCA Conducts Fraud Detection Training

DFA OCA’s Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz in his opening remarks during the Fraud Detection Training Program

PARAÑAQUE 13 May 2024 – In line with the Department’s commitment to protect the integrity of Philippine passports, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) Passport Division conducted a Fraud Detection Training Program for its personnel on 25 April 2024 at the DFA-OCA Aseana, Parañaque City.

The program started with opening remarks from OCA’s Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, highlighting the significant role of the Passport Integrity Fraud Management Unit (PIFMU) in conducting thorough verification and investigation of passport application irregularities, including assumed identities, identity theft, documents that are spurious, tampered with, and with discrepancies, and passport applications of suspected foreign nationals.

In his message, Asec. Cruz expressed his gratitude for their commitment to upholding reliability and integrity in their duties that are fundamental to the process of the issuance of Philippine passports.

Ms. Jennifer B. Dominguez, Senior Document Examiner of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), led the morning discussion on Document Fraud Detection and Signature Verification while Mr. Oliver Baisa, Special Investigator IV of NBI Fraud and Financial Crimes Division, talked about Fraud Detection and Profiling and Non-verbal Communication/Body Language during the afternoon session.

A question-and-answer session during the program was actively participated by the PIFMU personnel to further expand their knowledge in handling passport-related fraud and irregularities and likewise shared their own experiences on handling such cases.

The insights from the resource person provided practical guidance in handling fraudulent passport applications and additional control mechanisms in safeguarding the issuance of the Philippine passport to Filipino citizens.

The OCA-Passport Division is committed to raising awareness and ensuring proper handling and assessment of passport-related fraud and irregularities and plans to hold another Fraud Detection Program for its consular officials. END

The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) Passport Division conducts a Fraud Detection Training Program at the DFA-OCA Aseana, Parañaque City on 25 April 2024.

OCA’s Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz (center left), Assistant Passport Director Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas (5th from left), Principal Assistant Ana Angela C. Cabillan (5th from right), Senior Document Examiner of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Jennifer B. Dominguez (center right), Passport Integrity Fraud Management Unit (PIFMU) Head Atty. Mia Cielo P. Mendoza (4th from left), and PIFMU personnel pose for a group photo at DFA-OCA Aseana, Parañaque City on 25 April 2024.