The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) stopped a passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after he attempted to leave the country using falsified travel documents.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the man was caught while preparing to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Hong Kong from Terminal 3. Officers flagged his papers during inspection, where he presented an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) claiming employment as an administrative officer abroad.
“Upon checking, it was immediately found to be fake and originally issued to another individual,” Viado said.
The incident highlights the impact of the integrated BI and DMW database systems, which make it far more difficult for undocumented workers or trafficking victims to slip through checkpoints.
The passenger was barred from boarding and is now under investigation. Authorities believe the document was sourced from illegal online sellers preying on aspiring overseas workers.
Viado stressed that presenting fraudulent documents not only violates immigration and labor laws but also puts travelers in danger of falling victim to exploitation and human trafficking.
